#246: Raising Thinkers: Building Critical Thinking in Early Years episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 26, 2026 · 12 MIN

#246: Raising Thinkers: Building Critical Thinking in Early Years

from The Everything ECE Podcast · host Carla Ward

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores why critical thinking begins long before children enter elementary school and how everyday moments in our classrooms shape children's confidence as problem-solvers, question-askers, and curious learners.From open-ended play and educator language to productive struggle and reflective practice, this conversation will challenge you to look differently at the small interactions that happen every day. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do isn't give children the answer—it's give them the space to discover it themselves.Whether you're an early childhood educator, student, or leader, this episode will leave you reflecting on how we can create environments that nurture curiosity, resilience, and independent thinking from the very beginning.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week! shape their early years.CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores why critical thinking begins long before children enter elementary school and how everyday moments in our classrooms shape children's confidence as problem-solvers, question-askers, and curious learners.From open-ended play and educator language to productive struggle and reflective practice, this conversation will challenge you to look differently at the small interactions that happen every day. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do isn't give children the answer—it's give them the space to discover it themselves.Whether you're an early childhood educator, student, or leader, this episode will leave you reflecting on how we can create environments that nurture curiosity, resilience, and independent thinking from the very beginning.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week! shape their early years.CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

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#246: Raising Thinkers: Building Critical Thinking in Early Years

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores why critical thinking begins long before children enter elementary school and how everyday moments in our classrooms shape children's confidence as problem-solvers, question-askers, and...

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