Teach critical thinking to kids, says Elon Musk: Why this skill matters more than grades

Think about school for a moment. How many times were you told to memorise dates, formulas, or facts without really understanding why they mattered? Most of us did it just to pass exams. But how much of it actually stayed in our minds? Not much.

This is why critical thinking is so important. It teaches kids how to understand, question, and make sense of the world around them. Elon Musk said it best in 2023 when he tweeted, “Critical thinking should be the first thing we teach kids.” A tech tycoon telling the world that thinking is more important than memorising? That really makes you pause.

Critical thinking should be the first thing we teach kids

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 2, 2023

Musk’s idea is something many parents, teachers, and students can relate to. Kids don’t need more facts. They need tools to figure out what’s true, what matters, and how to make good choices.
The science behind thinking skillsDoes teaching kids to think actually work? Yes, it does. A 2022 study in Educational Research Review looked at 25 preschool programs that focused on critical thinking. Kids in these programs improved their problem-solving skills and flexibility of thinking by 15 to 25 percent. Programs that encouraged play, curiosity, and trying new things worked best.

It’s simple really. When kids explore, ask questions, and try things on their own, they learn to think. Even failing and trying again helps. Thinking skills grow when kids are allowed to play, experiment, and discover for themselves.
Why schools can’t ignore critical thinkingCritical thinking is more than just a school skill. It builds confidence, creativity, and resilience. Kids who can think critically can make better choices, solve problems, and see through misinformation online.

But here’s the problem: UNESCO data from 2023 shows only 22 percent of countries teach critical thinking in schools as a core subject. That’s a big gap. Musk’s message is clear. Schools shouldn’t just teach kids what to think. They need to teach them how to think. Skills like these last a lifetime.
Simple ways students can practice thinking every dayThe good news is that critical thinking doesn’t need a fancy classroom. Students can start practicing it in everyday life with small, simple habits. Here’s how research and real-life experience suggest we can make it happen:
Encourage curiosity and asking questionsCuriosity is the starting point for thinking. Encourage children to ask “why” and “how” about everything they see and hear. Research in the Journal of Educational Psychology shows that asking open-ended questions activates the brain’s reasoning pathways, helping kids develop stronger analytical skills. Even asking “Why does the sky change colors?” or “How does this gadget work?” sparks curiosity and lays the foundation for critical thinking.
Promote conversations and collaborative learningKids learn a lot when they discuss and debate ideas with others. According to Educational Research Review, collaborative learning helps children evaluate information, see multiple perspectives, and develop reasoning skills. This could be as simple as discussing a story they read, sharing opinions about a project, or debating which solution works best during a game.
Apply learning to real-life situationsCritical thinking grows fastest when kids see how it applies to the real world. Activities like building a small project, solving puzzles, or taking on STEM challenges push them to evaluate evidence and think through solutions. Studies on applied learning, including research in Science Direct, show that these real-world exercises strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills.
Teach logical reasoning and first principlesSometimes kids get stuck because they try to memorize rules instead of understanding the “why” behind them. Teaching children to reason from first principles—breaking problems into their basic truths—encourages independent thinking and creativity. Research in Frontiers in Psychology confirms that this approach builds the kind of problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.
Encourage independent explorationKids should also have time to follow their own interests and explore topics independently. UNESCO reports that self-directed inquiry fosters curiosity, autonomy, and lifelong critical thinking. Let children dive into a hobby, explore a topic they love, or try something new on their own. This freedom teaches them to think for themselves.
Limit passive screen timeNot all screen time is bad, but passive scrolling or watching TV doesn’t help thinking skills. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that active, engaged learning develops critical thinking much better. Encourage interactive games, creative projects, or even discussion-based activities instead of hours of passive screen time.
Turning curiosity into a superpowerMusk’s message is simple: Teach kids to think first. The world is full of information. Knowing facts is not enough. Kids need to know how to think for themselves.

When children learn to question, explore, and reflect, they don’t just survive—they thrive. Thinking skills turn curiosity into understanding, mistakes into lessons, and challenges into opportunities. Critical thinking is not just a school skill. It is a superpower for life.