The Critical Thinking Child

Author | educator| mom on a mission to work with extraordinary parents and school principals seeking #criticalthinking and academic tutoring support.

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

🚨 CPS just replaced the HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure.

92% more questions. 3x the time. NEW Science section.

Test day: Oct 7, 2026.

Free webinar + FREE diagnostic for first 100 (parents + teachers). 👇

https://t.co/EFBNBNLGmW

#ChicagoParents #ChicagoTeachers #PreACT9Secure

[WBEZ @WBEZ]

The district’s eight graders will take the PreACT 9 Secure exam in October instead of the current HSAT. The new test is more than twice as long and won’t be offered in multiple languages, like the current exam. https://t.co/sLskVj95eo

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@WBEZ Important coverage. The PreACT 9 Secure is a significant shift for Chicago 8th graders, but with the right prep, students can be ready.
Hosting a free briefing for parents + teachers this month 👇
https://t.co/EFBNBNLGmW

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Chicago parents/teachers — what's your biggest concern about the new test? Drop it below 👇

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

🚨 CPS just replaced the HSAT with the PreACT 9 Secure.

92% more questions. 3x the time. NEW Science section.

Test day: Oct 7, 2026.

Free webinar + FREE diagnostic for first 100 (parents + teachers). 👇

https://t.co/EFBNBNLGmW

#ChicagoParents #ChicagoTeachers #PreACT9Secure

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

More resources that support all age groups and multiple languages, like interactive apps on digital safety, age-appropriate storybooks, engaging videos, community workshops, educational games, and websites like iKeepSafe. !
#KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q8: What kinds of free, family-friendly resources would you love to see more of to help kids navigate summer screen time wisely? Any feedback on iKeepSafe tools on the Achievery?

#KeepSafeOnline #DigitalParenting #SummerLearning

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@iKeepSafe Good advice😀

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Everyone has a bully story—whether being bullied, bullying, or witnessing it. I was bullied as a child and wrote 'Stanley the Snack Snatcher,' which shares strategies for kindness, critical thinking, and modeling empathy and kindness in everyday interactions! #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q6: Teaching kindness and respect online is crucial—especially during the summer when kids may be gaming, messaging, or posting more. What strategies help you model and teach these values? #KeepSafeOnline #DigitalCitizenship

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

The Achievery videos on spotting feeling clues from sounds, emojis, words, text, and pictures help kids learn to spot feelings and show kindness. Interactive tools like these can effectively engage students in online safety during summer. #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q5: iKeepSafe has free digital safety lessons for kids on the Achievery! Which types of interactive tools or topics do you think help students really engage with online safety during summer? #KeepSafeOnline #DigitalCitizenship #EdTech

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Be clear about what counts as screen time —TVs, phones, tablets, and even built-in-car devices count. It can be challenging to set limits, but talking regularly about trust and tracking tech use can help keep things balanced over the summer! #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q4: What challenges arise when supporting healthy digital use over the summer? How do you address screen time, online safety, or tech boundaries with kids when school’s out? #KeepSafeOnline #DigitalWellbeing

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

With so many new tools emerging, staying updated on internet safety is crucial. The landscape is always changing with something new to learn. Reinforcing internet safety and digital citizenship with students is essential to help them navigate these changes safely. #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Welcome to our summer #KeepSafeOnline chat! 🌞 Q1: As screen time often increases during summer break, why is it especially important to reinforce Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship with students during this season? #DigitalWellbeing #OnlineSafety

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Steps to help kids stay safe and build strong digital habits:
Create digital curfews.
Monitor online interactions and set time limits.
Update privacy settings.
Agree on acceptable games.
Have weekly digital check-ins
Let’s support safe screen time at home!#KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q2: What steps can parents and educators take to help kids build strong digital habits over the summer? Share your best practices—and let us know how you support safe screen time at home! #KeepSafeOnline #DigitalLiteracy #ParentingTips

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Open communication is key! Encourage kids to share their online experiences without fear. Establish a safe space for discussions and remind them that it’s okay to report anything that feels off. #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

Q3: Which digital skills are most important for kids to practice during the summer months? Think: privacy, balance, communication, and safety. #KeepSafeOnline #DigitalLearning

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@iKeepSafe The Achievery has wonderful resources informative for parents and children.

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Hi everyone! I’m Lemi-Ola Erinkitola, founder of a leading PreK-12 virtual tutoring company and author of several kid/parent-friendly books on cybersecurity literacy. I'm passionate about empowering parents with resources and excited to share some tips today. #KeepSafeOnline

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

#KeepSafeOnline guests – please introduce yourselves!

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Join us for this timely topic!😀💻⏲️

[iKeepSafe @iKeepSafe]

⏰ Starting in just 30 minutes! Looking for smart ways to keep kids safe online this summer? So are we—alongside experts like @MediaSmarts, @cognitivechild, @beverly_pell + more!
Join the convo: iKeepSafe X Chat — Tips for a Safer Digital Summer
#KeepSafeOnline #ParentingTips #TechSafety

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

Looking for smart ways to keep kids safe online this summer? So are we—alongside experts like @MediaSmarts, @cognitivechild, @LoycePailen, @beverly_pell + others! 📅 June 3 | ⏰ 2:30 PM EST Join the convo: iKeepSafe X Chat — Tips for a Safer Digital Summer. #KeepSafeOnline

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@Teach_Golden @Stevenson_D54 Congratulations!!! What a great gift for teacher's appreciation week :-)

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@Suntimes Congratulations!!

[Golden Apple @Teach_Golden]

Surprise!! Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos of Plainfield Elementary School is a 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipient!

#LeadGolden #GoldenApple #GoldenAppleSurpriseVisits2024

[The Critical Thinking Child @cognitivechild]

@Teach_Golden congratulations!