What critical thinking ability emerges in middle childhood?

In middle childhood, children develop metacognition, which is the awareness and understanding of their own thought processes. This involves the ability to think about how they think and learn, enabling them to monitor and regulate their cognitive activities. For instance, they become capable of recognizing when they do not understand something and can develop strategies to improve their comprehension. This ability is fundamental as it enhances their learning experiences, allowing them to approach problem-solving tasks with greater effectiveness.

While problem-solving is an important skill that continues to develop during this stage, it is part of the broader metacognitive abilities. Critical reading and empathy also emerge during this period, but metacognition encompasses a wider range of cognitive self-regulation and reflection skills that are crucial for lifelong learning. Therefore, the emergence of metacognition in middle childhood marks a significant advancement in children's cognitive development.