Children fairly quickly learn about opposites – hot and cold, happy and sad, etc. However, it takes a while to figure out how things are similar. This critical thinking skill will aid youngsters in their learning throughout school and into adulthood. I designed this game/song while working on my doctorate and teaching young children critical thinking skills. One little girl, Teresa, switched the name of the song around and always asked for “Sam’s Song” whenever I came to her class. I consider this game that teaches similarities to be one of the baby steps to acing a college entrance exam in later years. Try it with your child. I think you’ll BOTH like it!
The Same Song!
by Dr. Helen Gilmore
Tune: “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”
How are an apple and orange the same?
Orange the same, orange the same?
How are an apple and orange the same?
Let’s play the Thinking Game.
At the beginning of this Critical Thinking game, which teaches about similarities, have actual objects in hand to compare with the child. You may have to give the child clues to get him/her started to the higher order answer: They’re both fruit. Let the child create verses.
Other verses:
car-truck blocks-puzzle cat-dog
table –chair fork-spoon hand-foot
sock-shoe circle-square cereal-milk
swing-slide hammer-nails eyes-ears