Does Your Curriculum Include Both Convergent and Divergent Thinking?
Have you considered the importance of including convergent and divergent thinking in your child's learning? These are the primary ways our brains tackle problems; every child needs both skills to succeed.
What Is Convergent Thinking?
- Convergent thinking is about finding the correct answer—like solving math problems or calculating a recipe.
Convergent thinking is straightforward: find the single best answer. It's the backbone of most curricula, emphasizing logic, precision, and reasoning. Math and science depend on it, and standardized tests measure it. Think of it as a foundational skill—necessary for future engineers, doctors, and anyone who needs to analyze problems and implement clear solutions.
What Is Divergent Thinking?
- Divergent thinking involves creative problem-solving, such as brainstorming multiple ways to build a Lego tower or designing a new art project.
Divergent thinking is creative and open-ended. It's the ability to generate multiple solutions to a single problem, like figuring out how to animate a stop-motion video or coming up with new ways to play with building blocks.
Unlike traditional "read-and-repeat" methods, divergent thinking nurtures creativity, curiosity, and innovation. These skills spark excitement in kids—and set them apart as adaptable thinkers.
Why Both Thinking Styles Are Essential
If a child focuses only on convergent thinking, he may become a rigid thinker who struggles with creativity. On the other hand, relying solely on divergent thinking can make it difficult to follow rules or solve problems that demand precision. Both thinking styles are essential for balanced, critical thinkers.
Let's look at the medical profession to understand why both styles are vital.
- A doctor must use convergent thinking to correctly dose medications, diagnose conditions, and follow safety protocols.
- But breakthroughs come from divergent thinking—like the first surgeon who realized washing hands could save lives or a researcher who developed an Ebola treatment by thinking outside the box.
The best professionals rely on precision and creativity combined.
How to Foster Both in Your Homeschool Curriculum
Most textbooks and lessons naturally emphasize convergent thinking. To create a balanced approach, you'll need to actively include opportunities for divergent thinking. Here's how:
1. Divergent Thinking in Creative Activities
Creative activities like doodle books, painting kits, storytelling, or open-ended STEM sets encourage divergent thinking. For example:
- With doodle books, your child decides how to interpret and complete each page.
- Children experiment with color mixing and layering while painting, making decisions without strict guidelines.
2. Combining Both with Construction
Many STEM kits naturally incorporate both thinking styles:
- Your child uses convergent thinking when he follows exact model instructions to replicate a design.
- Divergent thinking comes into play when he modifies the model, creates something unique, or problem-solves based on verbal instructions alone.
3. Games That Balance Both
Some games can also blend convergent and divergent thinking. The game rules may require clear strategies (convergent), but your child must decide how to execute his moves and adapt his tactics (divergent).
Plan for Both Thinking Styles
Balancing convergent and divergent thinking in your curriculum doesn't just make your child a better student—it equips him to thrive in any situation. Convergent thinking builds structure, while divergent thinking sparks creativity. Together, they create confident problem-solvers who can adapt and excel.
What can you add to your homeschool today to ensure your child develops both skills? Start small, stay intentional, and guide him as he grows into a critical thinker!