How can we teach a child not to believe everything written?
Identify the author, purpose and date, distinguish verifiable information from opinion, and compare with another source. Final judgements should state evidence and limitations.
Practical takeaways
- Who wrote it and why?
- What is fact and what is opinion?
- Is the evidence sufficient and current?
The core idea
Identify the author, purpose and date, distinguish verifiable information from opinion, and compare with another source. Final judgements should state evidence and limitations.
Skills that should be demonstrated
Each step offers a clear model, guided practice and a new example to check transfer.
- Who wrote it and why?
- What is fact and what is opinion?
- Is the evidence sufficient and current?
- Where do two sources agree and differ?
How to apply it
Start with one example, think aloud and let the child try. If wrong, provide a targeted hint and another attempt rather than the answer.
How can we check understanding?
Use a new word or text of similar difficulty and ask how the child reached the answer or found evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Should we repeat the same material?
Repeat once or twice with a specific purpose, then use similar new material to check learning.
What if the child keeps guessing?
Cover the picture while reading the word, return to the relevant sound or context, then reveal the picture for meaning.
When should we increase difficulty?
When a new task is completed accurately, with understanding and little help—not merely because the example is memorised.