Feb. 22, 2009 - Product Review -- Building Thinking Skills Volume 2 by Critical Thinking Press
Building Thinking Skills Volume 2
Critical Thinking Press
It is only fair to warn you as I start this review that I have been using Critical Thinking Press materials for years, and I *love* them. So it will come as no surprise that I am highly recommending this product.
What Is Critical Thinking Press? This company has been around for a very long time, and yet continues to create cutting edge materials designed to get your students thinking both inside and outside the box with products that target specific learning modes.
What is Building Thinking Skills Volume 2? This book is part of a series which starts with Primary for Prek-1st grade, then Volume 1 for 1st -3rd, etc. Each book builds on the previous book, however Volume 2 could be picked up by your student in 3-5th grade and used without any prior experience with the series. I believe this is the route commonly recommended by those using a classical method of education. The first two books in the series use manipulatives, and my children enjoyed those books very much. Of course, they also enjoy this one!
What I Like: I love the function and goal of these books. Developing thinking skills is one of our number one goals for our children, and all of the books we own which are published by Critical Thinking Press help us accomplish that goal. I also love the fact that we can finally! put away the manipulatives... All the books are reproducible for your classroom, and that makes them a great value.
What I Don't LIke: Hmmm. Well don't say I didn't warn you... I pretty much would like to have everything this company produces.
My Bottom Line: If teaching your children to think on their feet and for themselves; you can't go wrong with Critical Thinking Press. Seriously, I was so excited they sent me a product that wasn't already on my shelves!
Amy's Favorites from Critical Thinking Press: Can You Find Me PreK and K, Thinkerdoodles series, Mind Benders series, Revenge of the Riddler Spider Software, Building Thinking Skills series, Visual Skill Building series.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
