The article substantiates the need to use LEGO-technologies for the development of critical thinking. The purpose of the article is to reveal the methods that allow using LEGO-technologies to influence the development of critical thinking. Methodology. Consideration of the process of forming critical thinking skills on the example of playing LEGO. It was found that there are a number of techniques and operations that allow you to develop critical thinking skills through: establishing a connection between thinking and language; logical reflections; argumentation analysis; hypothesis testing; decision-making; assessment of the probability of the consequences of actions, etc. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study are didactic principles and theories of learning, LEGO-technologies and interactive teaching methods that ensure the development of critical thinking. Results. The analysis of publications of domestic and foreign scientists was carried out, which allowed to identify different approaches to the characteristics of the concept of “critical thinking”, the quality of people who contribute to this process. It is determined that the formation of critical thinking skills with the use of LEGO-technologies occurs in the process of setting tasks and planning the algorithm of actions, creative approach to decision making. The key terms related to critical thinking are analyzed. It has been proven that the use of LEGO influences the development of critical thinking through the need to design, overcoming difficulties, solving complex problems, discussing projects and providing arguments, evidence, listening to others and correcting their mistakes, plan .. Practical implications. The practical significance of the results is that there is both theoretical and practical significance, as the use of LEGO-technologies is important in the development of critical thinking of people of different ages through the interaction of language, different types of memory (episodic, semantic, motor, procedural, intensive) and imagination, ability to make decisions, self-analysis and work in a group. The developed four-component model of critical thinking development with the use of LEGO-technologies can be used to teach children of different ages and adults. Key words: cognitive skills and techniques, formation of skills for analysis, action planning, creativity, LEGO game, desired result.

The article focuses on the development of Latin socio-cultural competence in Linguistics majors. The research under consideration outlines the techniques applied in the process of teaching Latin and contributes to building a number of professional competencies. The material of practical classes and the authors’ observations define the types of tasks that help to master the discipline, facilitate students’ interest in the Latin language and contribute to their comprehensive development. Multimedia tools combined with the arsenal of methods and creative activities developed by the teacher promote qualitative, thorough, and effective training. It has been found out that interactive methods in combination with the linguistic and cultural approach contribute to the active interaction of participants in the educational process and are an effective means of building the cultural competence in students. In particular, Latin dialogues and greeting formulas encourage live communication; the medieval texts, carefully selected based on the students major, encourage heuristic conversation and enhance awareness of certain historical events. The paper reveals an important role of metatexts in the teaching process; on the one hand, the texts are an entertaining element, and on the other – a material for the analysis of lexical and grammatical phenomena. Additionally, the classical poetry as the classroom material was analyzed. The classical poetry appeared an effective model to follow and a stimulus for individual translations not only into students’ native language, but also into the target foreign language. The paper also reveals a significant role of creative contests and presentations in the enhancement of students’ teamwork skills and their creative potential. The article concludes that the Latin language is a subject that develops the intellectual and artistic abilities of future professionals, encourages teamwork, and inspires creativity.