Building Thinking Skills

Product: Building Thinking Skills Book 2

Publisher:  Critical Thinking Company

Age level:  9-11 (4th-6th grade)

Use as:  thinking skills activities, test prep

Instruction time:  low

Prep time:  low

Cost: $29.99

Features (from site):

Building Thinking Skills Book 2 covers describing shapes, figural similarities and differences, figural sequences, figural classifications, figural analogies, describing things, verbal similarities and differences, verbal sequences, verbal classifications, and verbal analogies.

My Thoughts:

Anyone who has been reading my views on education knows one of my educational goals for my children is to raise critical thinkers. I say it all the time in many different ways in many different places. However, I will admit that raising a critical thinker is not as easy as it sounds. It can be challenging and one is constantly searching for the proper material to raise a lifelong learner and thinker rather than a test taking drone. Yet, test taking is something no one can escape so a balance of test taking skills and thinking skills must be achieved. I believe Building Thinking Skills Book 2 possess that quality. These workbooks flex the thinking muscles along with equipping kids to score high on tests. What I appreciate is the method it uses to give children the skills to score high on tests. Instead of “training” a child to take a test by providing potential questions or problems, this book provides the skills for a child to take any test well due to challenging the child to think beyond the black and white ink. A child learns how to think through problems and riddles to attain the proper answer. This is why no matter which standardized test your child takes or which homeschool curriculum you use the Building Thinking Skills book can assist your child in scoring his best.

Building Thinking Skills Book 2 contains:

Venn Diagrams

Map Skills

mental manipulation of two-dimensional objects

Analytical Skills

Deductive Reasoning

And more!

My 5th Grader’s Thoughts:

My son is never thrilled when a new school book arrives at my doorstep. Through the years he has expressed both interest and disinterest in the books he uses. He is not difficult to please as much as not very motivated to accomplish at his finest at all times. While, he was not thrilled when I place the book in front of him, the book peaked his interest. My son never works ahead unless threatened with never watching football again. This book was no exception. He quickly asked which assignments to do and when to stop. Yet, he enjoyed this workbook more than any other and actually picks it up to ask if he needs to use it each day. That is a huge thumbs up! I once saw him do a few assignments without my prompting.

View sample pages from this workbook here.

As a member of Timberdoodle’s Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of Building Thinking Skills Book 2 and 3 in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.