The Lawrence Hall of Science skill list works very well for all types of learning. It is based on age appropriate use of seven levels of thinking and questioning skills:
Observation
Communication
Comparison
Organization
Relationships
Inference
Application
These skills build on each other over time. Here’s the breakdown of the best grades to introduce each skill. Since learners work at different levels of understanding, these seven stages will vary. The grade level designations are intended as guidelines, not hard and fast ‘rules’. (For details on each skill consult my book’s chapter, Develop Thinking Skills.)
Grades K-3 learners depend on the first four skills: Observation, Communication, Comparison and Organization. These have been called static stages since depend on an adult teaching them how to use their skills.
Grades 3-6 the students become more active/interactive learners/independent thinkers. Teachers introduce using Relationships to expand their skills
For Grades 6-9, when students begin exploring personal theories, Inference is added to the list of skills, bringing the total to six of the seven levels of understanding.
By grades 9-12, students develop Application skills and utilize all seven stages of thinking and learning for projects.
Students show signs of each skill, but usually must master earlier skills before they truly use the more complex levels. Learning is an exciting process to watch developing in your students as well as your family. It’s the expanding and growth of skills that make stronger learners.