One topic I wanted to include in this year’s summer learning program for my daughters was critical thinking skills. I wasn’t sure exactly what materials to use in this area, so was thrilled when I was invited to review Balance Benders by The Critical Thinking Co.
We received the beginning book which is for grades 2-6. This workbook includes a collection of logic and algebraic reasoning puzzles. Each page pictures a scale (or scales) showing a set of items that are balanced or unbalanced. Below, the student is given six answers and is asked to choose the three that will always be true. Easier puzzles are given at the beginning, becoming more challenging as the book progresses. I attempted to do several of these before I showed them to my daughters (and was grateful to note that there are solutions in the back should you need them!)
Just as I suspected, I am very pleased with this book and the way we have been able to incorporate it into their learning time by doing a page each day. We approach them more as a game; anything that adds an element of fun to learning is popular with all of us!
I am already planning to order another book from the company. The cost of their products is very reasonable; this particular workbook is only $9.99. You can check out Balance Benders as well as all of their other resources by visiting their website. You could also win a year’s supply of educational product by entering their video contest or nominate a hero for the First Annual Critical Thinking Heroes Award. If you want to sample some of their offerings, check my sidebar for a widget that allows you to access free printable activities.
This is a Mama Buzz review. The workbook for this review was provided to me free of charge by The Critical Thinking Co. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not compensated for them in any other way.
we liked these books too! I think they'll be a good challenge for my kids!