"Ne vous contentez pas d'apprendre à vos enfants à lire, apprenez-leur à remettre en question ce qu'ils lisent."

The essence of this quote is about teaching children not only the mechanics of reading but also critical thinking. It's about encouraging them to engage with the text, to ask questions, and to think deeply about the information presented. It's more than just understanding words; it's about understanding ideas and forming their own opinions.

Historically, the importance of cultivating critical thinking in education has been emphasized by many educators and philosophers. Think about the Enlightenment period, for instance, when thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau promoted questioning and rational thought. They believed that true understanding comes from questioning and challenging the status quo. This idea is still relevant today, especially in a world where information is abundant and not always accurate.

Let's say there's a 12-year-old named Emily who loves reading. She's devouring books left and right. One day, she reads a piece about how chocolate is the superfood that can cure all ailments. Instead of just accepting this at face value, she remembers what her parents and teachers have taught her—question everything. So, she starts looking for more information. She finds other articles, some of which contradict the initial claim. She asks her science teacher about it and even does a small experiment for a school project. Through this process, Emily learns to look at all angles of a story, to weigh evidence, and to understand that not everything written is gospel. She becomes a more informed, critical reader.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life with your kids? Start by being a role model. When you read together, ask open-ended questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?” Or, “What do you think about this piece of information?” Encourage discussions at the dinner table where everyone gets to express their opinions and back them up with reasons. Introduce them to a variety of books and articles, especially those that offer different viewpoints on the same topic.

Now, picture this: You’re sitting with your child, watching a documentary on climate change. Instead of just taking it in, you pause and ask, “What are the main points they’re making?” and, “Do you think there could be other factors they haven’t mentioned?” This isn’t about turning them into skeptics but helping them become well-rounded thinkers. They might say, “Well, they didn’t talk about how some companies are trying to reduce emissions. Why do you think that is?” This shows they’re not just absorbing information but interacting with it.

In this way, questioning becomes second nature. They’ll start applying it everywhere—whether they're reading a textbook, listening to a news report, or even when a friend tells them something that seems a bit off. It's about making sure they understand the importance of evidence and reasoning. And, honestly, it makes for some pretty fascinating conversations.

So next time you pick up a book with your child or discuss something they’ve read, remember: it's not just about the what; it's about the why and the how. Help them see the world with a questioning mind. That’s something that’ll serve them well for life.