Parent: Rakesh Iyer, Father of Kavya (Age 12), Chennai

Kavya has always been what people call a “good student.” She completes her work on time, scores well in exams, and rarely needs reminders to study. On paper, everything looked perfect.

But as a parent, I started noticing something that didn’t feel right.

If you asked her a direct question from her syllabus, she would answer immediately. But the moment the question changed slightly — even a little — she would pause. Not because she didn’t know the concept, but because she wasn’t used to thinking beyond what was already given.

It made me realize that she was learning what to think, not how to think.

That’s when I began searching for ways to improve critical thinking skills for kids, and eventually came across PlanetSpark.

To be honest, I initially thought it would just be another communication course. But after a few classes, I could see it was different.

Instead of focusing on “correct answers,” the sessions focused on thought process.

In one of her early classes, she was asked a simple but unusual question:
“If you could change one rule in your school, what would it be and why?”

Kavya didn’t have an immediate answer. She looked confused.

Earlier, this would have made her uncomfortable. But instead of rushing her, the teacher guided her step by step.

“What do you like about your school?”
“What don’t you like?”
“What do you think can be better?”

Slowly, she started forming an answer. It wasn’t perfect, but it was hers.

That was the first time I saw her think independently instead of trying to recall something memorized.

Over the next few weeks, these small exercises started adding up.

At home, she began asking more thoughtful questions. While watching news, she would pause and ask, “Why do people make decisions like this?” During studies, she started explaining concepts instead of just reading them.

Even her school teachers noticed the change. They mentioned that Kavya had started giving more structured answers in class and was more involved in discussions.

What really stood out to me was how she handled problems. Earlier, if she didn’t understand something, she would give up quickly. Now, she tries different approaches before asking for help.

PlanetSpark didn’t turn her into a topper — she already was one. But it made her more aware, curious, and confident in her thinking.

And honestly, that matters much more in the long run.

Because in today’s world, knowing answers isn’t enough. Children need to understand, question, and build their own opinions.

And that’s exactly the shift I saw in Kavya.

Help Your Child Build Strong Thinking Skills

If you’re looking for a platform that focuses on problem-solving skills for kids and real learning beyond textbooks, it’s worth trying a session.

Book your free trial: https://www.planetspark.in/parents/c/start