Why Teach Logic To Your Kids?

By: Phyllis Wheeler

Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Spock are the logical guys. The other people in their stories are the emotional ones. But our lives aren't really like that--we need to be both the logical guy and the emotional guy.

Unfortunately, learning logical thinking doesn't just come naturally for most people. But it's an important skill. Logic traps are everywhere.

It's not enough to recognize that logic ought to be taught to your child. You should go ahead and do it. Here's why:

1. Your child will be able to make better choices, understanding the principle of cause and effect. For instance, any "friends" who push him to waste money and time may find he turns a deaf ear, because he understands the logical consequences.

2. Your child will learn to tackle problems. Solving problems systematically involves considering a list of options. This your help your child deal with life problems as he becomes an adult--for example what to do if the sink plugs up or the car breaks down.

3. Your child will be able to see through advertising. For example, he will be able to find circular reasoning in an advertising slogan such as "Happy people buy Grandma's Granola." The advertiser really is saying, "Buy Grandma's Granola, and you will be happy." Is your child able to identify circular logic such as this?

4. What about persuasion in the media? Let's say a reporter asks five people whether they think illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay. All of them say yes. Then the reporter concludes that everyone wants illegal immigrants to be able to stay. Does your child see the problem here? The error is in the size of the sample group--too small. The reporter needs a much broader sample.

5. Your child can learn to evaluate advice on the basis of the qualifications of the person doing the advising. If your dentist tells you to floss your teeth, you will believe him -- he's an expert. But if he tells you to put an oil additive in your car, you need to weigh the advice because he's not an expert there.

6. Computer logic is another thing your child will be able to understand. Computers are very basic thinkers: if statement A is true, do action B. If not, do action C. In comparison, our own brains tend to skip around. But learning programming and logical sequences helps a child learn logical thinking. This is a useful skill for the Information Age. In fact, if your child learns about computers, he will be able to master them eventually.

Article Source: http://www.yesparenting.com/articles

Find out about computer programming for kids and get a free e-lesson on Web searching, the Internet Scavenger Hunt. Phyllis Wheeler provides materials for those who want to teach their kids fun computer skills.

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