Sviluppo del pensiero critico e cultura alfabetica

This article shows a model for the development of critical thinking through the practice of handwriting. The model is inspired by the digital chain that Maryanne Wolf (2018) uses to demonstrate how reading skills are becoming weaker and weaker due to the use of technological devices. The hypothesis is that if a mental habit (Dewey, 1933) incline to thinking critically is structured while reading and writing skills are still under development, it is possible to limit the damages caused by digital reading. The model has been first applied to the works of one of the pupils participating in In interiori puero, a research activity conducted with the fifth-grade students of a primary school in Rome. The activity was directed by Emma Nardi within the experimental programme In intellectu et in sensu promoted by Benedetto Vertecchi. The model is currently being applied to the works of all the participating students.