<![CDATA[Critical thinking skills are important competencies that need to be developed from early childhood education. This study aims to identify the level of critical thinking skills of children aged 5–6 years and to analyze differences in critical thinking abilities between boys and girls. This study employed a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. The research subjects consisted of 30 children aged 5–6 years from TK Adhyaksa I and TK Kartika 23-II in Telanaipura District. Quantitative data were obtained through structured observations using a Likert-scale instrument based on critical thinking indicators, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews and documentation. The results showed that children's critical thinking skills were generally in the expected development category, although variations were still found among children. Some children demonstrated the ability to observe, ask questions, and solve simple problems, while others still required teacher assistance. Differences in critical thinking abilities between boys and girls were also found in several indicators. These findings can serve as a basis for teachers to design more effective learning strategies to stimulate critical thinking skills in early childhood education.]]>
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