Year 1 Thinking SkillsThink beyond the obvious. Solve what others might miss.

Thinking Skills helps children learn how to think through a problem, rather than simply what they have memorised.

At Markitup, Year 1 students develop these skills through METS, our 3-hour program combining Maths, English and Thinking Skills.

  • Problem solving and reasoning
  • Part of METS
  • Maximum 8 students per class
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What is Thinking Skills?

Think Beyond the Obvious. Solve What Others Might Miss.

Thinking Skills is about how your child thinks through a problem, rather than simply what they have memorised.

There isn't always a formula your child can simply remember.

They need to look at the information, work out what is happening and reason their way towards the answer.

This is what makes Thinking Skills different from many of the questions your child encounters at school.

Questions can require students to:

  • Identify patterns and relationships
  • Find important information
  • Recognise rules and sequences
  • Make connections between ideas
  • Use logic and reasoning
  • Interpret unfamiliar information
  • Solve problems they haven't seen before

Thinking Skills Is Not a Standard School Subject

This is an important distinction for parents.

Your child's school may develop general problem-solving, reasoning and critical-thinking abilities, but students are not normally given dedicated classroom time for Thinking Skills.

Students therefore develop these skills through practice and exposure to different types of questions.

Skills That Improve With Practice

These are skills that improve through exposure and practice.

Seeing a question type for the first time can be very different from having already practised how to approach it. At Markitup, Thinking Skills is built into our METS program so children practise these skills every week.

The skills

What Does Thinking Skills Develop?

Thinking Skills isn't about simply being "smart." It's about learning how to approach unfamiliar problems.

Recognise Patterns

Identify what changes, what stays the same and what comes next.

Identify Relationships

Work out how different pieces of information are connected.

Apply Logic

Use the information provided to eliminate possibilities and reach a conclusion.

Think Flexibly

Try a different approach when the first idea doesn't work.

How it works

How Thinking Skills Fits Into METS

Thinking Skills is part of METS, our 3-hour program for students who want to develop their Maths and English while also building higher-order thinking and reasoning skills.

01

Mathematics

Structured teaching, practice and regular revision to build strong Maths foundations.

02

English

Writing, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar and vocabulary.

03

Thinking Skills

Problem solving and reasoning, practised every week.

04

Homework & Feedback

Weekly homework plus regular assessment and feedback.

METS: 3 hours per week of Maths, English and Thinking Skills

Our approach

We Don't Just Want Students to Know the Answer

We want them to understand how to find it.

Because eventually:

  1. 1The questions change
  2. 2The numbers change
  3. 3The wording changes
  4. 4The pattern changes

What matters is whether your child can look at something unfamiliar and think: "I know how to work this out."

That's the skill we're developing.

Small classes

Maximum 8 Students Per Class

Small classes. More opportunity to ask questions.

Our Year 1 METS classes have a maximum of 8 students, so our tutors can teach the group while still giving students individual attention.

  • Ask questions
  • Receive help from a tutor while they work
  • Get feedback on their work
  • Feel comfortable making mistakes and having another go

Because children learn better when they feel confident enough to try.

More than just tutoring

Why Families Choose Markitup

Small Classes

With a maximum of 8 students per class, our tutors can teach the group while still giving students individual attention.

Structured Learning

Students follow a carefully planned program rather than simply completing random worksheets each week.

Experienced Tutors

Our tutors are trained to teach the Markitup approach and support students at different levels.

Regular Feedback

We check student work, identify gaps and use assessment to understand where students need more support.

A Positive Learning Environment

We want children to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and having another go.

Thinking Skills in METS

METS is our 3-hour program combining Maths, English and Thinking Skills: problem solving and reasoning.

Weekly Homework

Students receive structured homework designed to reinforce what they have learned in class.

Free Trial Lesson

Experience Markitup before making a commitment. Come in, meet our tutors and see how our classes work.

Because children learn better when they feel confident enough to try.

See the Markitup difference

See the Markitup difference for yourself.

You don't have to take our word for it. Your child can experience a FREE Trial Lesson and see what learning at Markitup is actually like.

See how we teach. See how your child approaches challenging questions. Get a feel for our classroom. No pressure. Just come in, learn and experience Markitup for yourself.

Book a Free Trial
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thinking Skills?

Thinking Skills is about how your child thinks through a problem, rather than simply what they have memorised. Questions can involve patterns, relationships, rules and sequences, logic and reasoning, and unfamiliar information.

Is Thinking Skills taught at school?

Thinking Skills is not a standard school subject. Your child's school may develop general problem-solving, reasoning and critical-thinking abilities, but students are not normally given dedicated classroom preparation for Thinking Skills.

How is Thinking Skills taught at Markitup?

Thinking Skills is part of METS, our 3-hour program combining Maths, English and Thinking Skills. ME is our 2-hour Maths and English program.

What if my child is ahead?

We can provide additional challenge through more complex questions, problem solving and reasoning activities. METS also provides additional Thinking Skills development.

How many students are in a class?

Our classes have a maximum of 8 students.

Can we try a lesson before enrolling?

Yes! We offer a free trial lesson so you and your child can experience Markitup before making a commitment.

Not sure which program is right? Ask Miu.

Tell Miu your child's year level, what they're doing at school and what you'd like them to improve. Miu can answer questions about Year 1 Thinking Skills, METS, class times, centres and fees.

  • Which class suits my child?
  • What are the class times?
  • Which centre is closest?