Brian Oshiro on Teaching Kids to Think: 4 Questions That Build Critical Minds

If we want children to thrive in a rapidly changing world, we must teach them more than facts — we must teach them how to think.

In his TEDxXiguan Talk, educator and teacher trainer Brian Oshiro emphasizes the importance of critical thinking as an essential skill for future success. Part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, his message resonates deeply in an age where information is abundant but understanding is scarce.

Today’s children will face challenges far more complex than any multiple-choice question. “We need to give students an opportunity to grapple with questions that don’t necessarily have one correct answer,” Oshiro explains. “That’s what real life looks like.”

The good news? Every child already possesses the natural curiosity needed to think critically — they just need guidance in how to ask the right questions. Brian Oshiro critical thinking kids suggests four simple, transformative questions parents and educators can encourage:

1. Go beyond “what?” — and ask “how?” and “why?”When children learn about something like climate change, the “what” might be easily answered. But asking how it happens and why it matters pushes them to think deeper, connect ideas, and understand causes and consequences.

2. Challenge assumptions.Encourage kids to ask, “Is this always true?” or “What might someone else think?” These questions foster empathy, perspective, and analytical thinking.

3. Seek evidence.Invite them to support their ideas with facts: “How do you know that?” or “Where did you learn that?” This helps kids distinguish between belief and knowledge.

4. Reflect and connect.After learning something new, prompt them with: “How does this relate to your life?” Making personal connections reinforces memory and meaning.

By shifting the focus from rote answers to thoughtful inquiry, we help children build the intellectual flexibility and emotional intelligence needed to thrive. As Oshiro reminds us, “Critical thinking isn’t about being right — it’s about learning to question wisely.”

Written by Otávio Santiago, designer and creative storyteller exploring the intersection of design, education, and human potential.