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Mar. 23, 2009
Critical Thinking - Mathematical Reasoning Level B
Last fall, I reviewed a copy of Building Thinking Skills Level 2 that I used with my older children. I was very excited when I also received Mathematical Reasoning Level B to try with my 1st grade son.
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This 264 page mathematics text for 1st grade ...
Bridges the gap between computation and mathematical reasoning for higher grades and top test scores.
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The Mathematical Reasoning series can be used as either a core curriculum or supplemental curriculum for 1st grade. Its strength is in applying mathematical concepts to real life problems.
This sample page teaches basic measuring skills, but it doesn't stop with simple measuring. It also requires the student to solve a simple logic problem to determine the names of each pictured child, and then to compare their heights.
As you can see, the pages are in full-color and are attractive and engaging for young children.
Another great feature is that the book has only a few problems per page. I have found that all of my children have done much better with math programs that, like this one, stress understanding concepts over completing large numbers of similar problems. Too many problems can be overwhelming to a young student, especially one who is a struggling writer like my 1st grader.
This book teaches math using a spiral method of review. The spiral method is where one concept is briefly covered before moving on to other concepts. Then later, the text returns to the beginning concept at a slightly higher level. I personally prefer sequential math programs to spiral ones, but there are many people who disagree. One additional minor difficulty we had with this text is that the pages are difficult to write on using a pencil.
In summary, the Mathematical Reasoning series is visually interesting, comforms to the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and is excellent at teaching students to think mathematically. For my family, I would prefer to use the Mathematical Reasoning series as a supplemental math program. I prefer a math curriculum that is sequential and includes more instruction in the text. However, as a supplement, it will serve as review and practice of concepts learned in a sequential math curriculum, while adding the additional emphasis on mathematical thinking and word problems.
Mathematical Reasoning Level B is available from The Critical Thinking Co. for $32.99. For more reviews of Mathematical Reasoning, go to the Homeschool Crew Blog.
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