DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN PRESCHOOL   CHILDREN AGED 5-6 THROUGH SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES USING   A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

Nguyen Thi Nga; Nguyen Thi Truc Nhanh

Nguyen Thi Nga*	ngant@vnies.edu.vn	The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences 101 Tran Hung Dao street, Cua Nam ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Truc Nhanh	trucnhanh1990@gmail.com	The Practice Kindergarten - The Central College of Pedagogy in Ho Chi Minh City 182 Nguyen Chi Thanh street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Summary:

In the context of early childhood education reform aimed at developing competencies and ensuring children’s rights, the development of critical thinking in preschool children aged 5-6 has not been systematically studied and implemented in scientific exploration activities. This paper aims to analyze the current situation and propose measures to develop children’s critical thinking through this activity, using a participatory approach. The study uses qualitative research methods combined with practical investigation through observation, questionnaire surveys, and interviews with teachers at several preschools in Ho Chi Minh City. The results show that although scientific exploration activities have been organized in a child-centered manner, opportunities for children to ask questions, express opinions, debate, and participate in decision-making are limited. Based on this, the study proposes several measures to enhance children’s participation opportunities and foster critical thinking in preschool children aged 5-6. The research findings are valuable for teachers and administrators in organizing educational activities that align with competency-based approaches and children’s rights.

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Keywords:

critical thinking

preschool children aged 5-6

scientific exploration

right to participation

early childhood education

children’s rights.

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Journal:

No. 7, July 2026

VIETNAM JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

THE VIETNAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 5-6 THROUGH SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES USING A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH