Showing posts with label critical thinking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label critical thinking. Show all posts

Friday, June 12, 2020

Creative Problem Solving

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.




One of the reasons we homeschool is that we want our children to be able to think for themselves, to be able to problem-solve to find a solution. That's why we love when we get to review for The Critical Thinking Co.. We want to develop those critical thinking skills in our children to prepare them for life, not simply teach them facts from a book and how to pass a test. We strive to give our kids the tools necessary to make clear, reasoned judgments by teaching them to identify and evaluate evidence to guide their decision making through life.

The Critical Thinking Co. is "committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life." They offer many books and curricula to prepare students, not by teaching through drill and memorization, but instead by teaching in a way that empowers the mind. In the past, we've used a variety of their products from a critical thinking detective book to a phonics program to an analogies software. This time, I was excited to use Creative Problem Solving Level 1 with my little ones.


I often say that my kids got my husband's engineering mind. He is able to see a problem and find a viable solution. At home, at the store, with gadgets, everywhere--he's able not only to recognize an issue but also to figure out how to fix it. The kids naturally have inherited that cleverness, and I want to encourage their ingenuity and allow it to grow.

The Creative Problem Solving book is perfect to bolster that process. It is designed for grades PreK-2 and makes finding solutions fun for little ones. In fact, the first day we used it, one of my boys told me, "Mom, thank you! This is so much fun!"



Unit 1, The Magic Pencil, gives kids 28 challenging situations in which they need to creatively solve a problem. For instance, they need to draw a way to protect a boy from the school bully, stop a bee from stinging a child, help a turtle win a race, save a special tree from being chopped down, and more.

My boys (ages 5, 8, 10) have been working through this unit. I am not exaggerating when I say that it is one of their favorite things! I knew my 8-year-old would love it (after all, he is my child who will sit and doodle all over his pages, drawing elaborate machines that accomplish tasks), but I was pleasantly surprised just how much the other boys like it, as well. In fact, when they are finished with their challenge for the day, they often draw their own scenarios for each other to finish, like helping the mouse get over the wall to get the cheese and helping the astronaut get safely back to his ship. Not only is Creative Problem Solving encouraging them to use their imaginations to solve problems, it's inspiring them to let their creative juices flow in deeper ways, also. In fact, they were having so much fun with these simple exercises, that their 12-year-old artsy sister even joined in on the fun. She puts much thought into her solutions and enjoys adding minute details.


The other units of the book build on The Magic Pencil concept. There are sections creating creatures to survive in specific locations, choosing super powers to help in proposed difficulties, drawing aids to meet the needs of aliens, inventing gadgets, determining the steps to take in an emergency, and more.

I like the Enigma unit which shows various random drawings and asks the child what it might be and then to draw it. There are also mind riddles and puzzles at the back of the book. Many pages have lines for writing why the student chose what he drew and why he thinks it will work.


I appreciate that the pages are open-ended. Sometimes--many times--there is more than one way to solve a problem in life. It is no different in these scenarios. One child drew ropes connecting a broken branch to another branch like a swing so a sloth wouldn't fall and get hurt, another drew a connecting piece like the branch was repaired, and another drew people on the ground holding a giant blanket.  Some of the stories are silly (who honestly needs to worry about a flying shark who shoots teeth with  a tranquilizing potion?), but that only adds to the fun! The more unlikely the situation is, the more creative the child needs to be. 


Here's what my kids think of the book:

"I love it! I love all the pages!"

"I like it! Drawing the pictures is really fun!"

"I think it's pretty cool that you can solve the problem using anything that will work."

"I like that it's creative and every answer is different. I like finding the funniest way to do it."




Creative Problem Solving is designed to be a stand-alone activity book that students can complete on their own. I chose the paperback book because I like physical copies, but there is the option of an eBook, as well. Honestly, that would have been easier than photocopying the pages in the book (the Critical Thinking Co. does allow reproduction within one home), but the perforated pages of the paperback make it easier to remove and send through a printer. Since the kids have already asked for additional copies to rework certain pages, that is probably the better option for me.

Creative Problem Solving Level 1 has been a huge hit with our family. I love that my kids are strengthening their critical thinking skills and having fun while doing it.

Happy kids. Happy Mom. The perfect supplement.



You can connect with The Critical Thinking Co.™ on the following social media sites:


You can read more reviews of this book or learn about one of the other materials reviewed by my Crewmates on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.


Creative Problem Solving, Dare to Compare Math, Mastering Logic & Math and Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know! {The Critical Thinking Co.™ Reviews}
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Thursday, January 16, 2020

Hink Pinks #2



Were you able to solve all the hink pinks I posted last time? These riddles are great for the whole family. You can make them super simple for the younger crowd such as *cap that was sat on or more complicated for the logophiles like *bovine war.

See if you can solve those along with 10 more hink pinks that the kiddos and I created!






1. steamy cooking dish








answer: hot pot


2. fake Skywalker








answer: Anakin mannequin


3. elderly fungus








answer: old mold


4. buffed butt








answer: shiny heinie


5. incorrect lyrics







answer: wrong song


6. high barrier








answer: tall wall


7. swirling marine animal







answer: swishy fishy


8. humorous rabbit








answer: funny bunny


9. inexpensive vehicle








answer: cheap jeep


10. pointy instrument







answer: sharp harp





*  flat hat, cattle battle


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Thursday, October 17, 2019

Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks

* This post may contain affiliate links.



Anyone who knows our family knows that we thrive on hands-on learning in our house. I am a huge supporter of learning through play, and this review is perfect for our style of education. I know I review a lot of curricula, but when people ask me what to use specifically with their preschool and kindergarten-aged kids, I always tell them to let them play! The benefits of playing--especially during the younger years--are so vital. You know the old proverb about teaching a man to fish? That doesn't apply to only adults. Let kids learn by doing.  

Brain Blox is a family-owned company with that same belief. Their mission is to create products that encourage intentional and meaningful play as it nurtures brain development and confidence. I already explained about their Fun Family Chess, a new version that teaches the game with a gentle new approach but can also be used as a traditional set. Today, I'm talking about their Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks.


We first played with building planks like these at a science center years ago. My kids were quickly drawn to them as the planks appeal to their engineering minds. They spend time every day building something--anything--with Lego bricks and other building mediums. One thing that's different about these planks though is that there is no snapping of pieces together. Like blocks, these are used simply by stacking and are held in place by gravity and friction.

Another thing that's different about these planks is that the pieces are all the same shape ad size. Each building plank is approximately 4.75" x 1" x .25" solid New Zealand pine. They are precision-cut, chemical-free, and non-toxic, making them a perfect option for kids.  All of the edges on our planks are smooth with no worries of producing splinters. A red, canvas, drawstring backpack-style bag is included to store the pieces.


The building possibilities with these are endless! Truly, if you can think it, you can build it. I have been impressed with the creations my kids have made: pirate ship, table and chairs, army tank, houses, bridges, and countless towers of various designs, to name a few. Some of the builds were born out of their imaginations, but others were inspired by the Ideas Booklet that is included with the set. It features 15 building ideas by showing a pictures, how many planks are needed, and a tip or challenge for each one. No other instructions are given, requiring the user to depend on visual cues and thinking skills.

You can find many more suggestions in the free Idea Cards download. There are over 70 picture cards that cover 8 levels of difficulty starting with simple two-dimensional designs to complicated three-dimensional creations. Even my 4-year-old is doing well with the higher levels.


The company is currently creating free curriculum instructions that focus on reading, math, physics, and more that you can use intentionally in your lesson plans. The activities teach concepts such as the ability to perceive a 3D rendering from a 2D image, manipulation of spatial information, linear thinking, fine motor skills, and more. If you're just looking for a quick learning activity to sharpen thinking skills, there is a collection of brain puzzles using the planks that include the directions, hints, and the solution. These are one of my personal favorite aspects of the set. I love watching my kids use their brains to figure out the puzzles!  

If you're looking for even more ideas, Brain Blox has also put together a a World eBook filled with additional design ideas from walls and fences to planes, trains, and automobiles and many other things. There are also suggestions for creating characters on the planks and the collection of brain puzzles. They offer tons of options to ignite creativity and learning. 


To say that my kids (ages 13, 11, 9, 7, 4) like these is an understatement. As soon as one of them dumps the bag out on the floor, the others are right there grabbing planks to start building. We have the 200-piece set, but we've already been eyeing the larger one. After all, Christmas will be here soon, and adding more of these fun and versatile building planks would be a fantastic gift. My kids love to show off their creations and enjoy building when their friends come over. Their current obsession is using the planks for contraptions for a Rube Goldberg machine. We've been having so much fun applying engineering, problem-solving, critical thinking, and cause-and-effect skills.

The Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks are a fantastic resource for everyone! Whether you're looking for intentional play, specific learning, or just a relaxing activity, these building planks are perfect. They are well-made, versatile, and loved by all.




You can connect with Brain Blox on the following social media sites:

Make sure to head over to the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog to see more amazing creations using Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks.



Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks {Brain Blox Reviews}

* Some of the links in the content above are affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase an item, I may receive an
affiliate commission. Regardless, I recommend products or services that I have used personally and all the text and
opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225.

Crew Disclaimer
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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Fun Family Chess

*This post may contain affiliate links.




Today's review is a fun one! My oldest child has been playing chess since he was around 6-year-old. My dad is very skilled at the game and plays whenever he can. I have many memories growing up watching my dad and uncles focused on a match. I was pleased not only when my father started teaching my son, but even more so when my boy grasped the concepts quickly. He fell in love with the strategy and soon started playing with anyone who would agree to it.

Seven years have passed, and though he has helped his younger siblings learn the art of chess, none of them can match his skill. Every now and then he can convince one to play with him, but most of the time the others get discouraged because of their lack of expertise. They need something to level the playing field. That's why I knew that Fun Family Chess from Brain Blox would be the perfect tool to help them gain confidence in playing their big brother.



The chess set comes with all of the following:
  • 15-inch wooden chess board
  • 32 solid wood chess pieces
  • 1 wooden chess cube
  • 2 reference cards
  • full-color instruction book


The chess board folds in half for easy storage and latches on the outside to keep it closed. The inside is lined with soft velvet and has enough space to hold all of the other materials. Since this set was specifically designed to teach kids how to play the game, the board has icons on the edges to show where each piece starts.

The chess pieces come in white and brown. The pieces are well-made, lightweight, and the perfect size for little hands. They each have a thin felt bottom to protect the board. Two velvet bags are included to hold and protect the pieces inside the board box. They are not the fanciest chess pieces I have ever seen--and they could be a bit heavier as they fall over easily--but they are nice, especially considering the price of the set.



Of course, you can use the set for traditional chess, but Fun Family Chess is a great way to teach kids (or anyone, really) how to play the game. Trying to remember how the pieces move and attempt strategy at the same time can be overwhelming. Not to mention, chess is a mind game that requires you to think ahead. The wooden cube eliminates all those issues for the new learner. The lightweight, nearly 1-inch cube has a symbol for each piece (other than the king) on a side with the sixth side showing a star. A player rolls the die and moves a matching piece on the board. If he cannot move that piece, he can roll again. The star means that the player can choose any piece to move. This is a gentle introduction to the game as it teaches the movements and basic concept but makes it fun. A person might be an amazing chess player, but if he doesn't roll what he needs, it won't matter. There is a little decision making involved, but for the most part, the game levels the playing field for all participants.

The heavy duty reference cards are colorful 8.5" x 5.75" cards on cardboard. Each card lists the rules of Fun Family Chess along with descriptions and visuals of each piece's movement. It's color-coded to match the colors of the wooden cube (though the colors are slightly off) to make it easy to find the coordinating movements. There is one card for each player. 


The full-color instruction book is just over 10 glossy pages. Along with many graphics and images, it contains information on setting up the game, how to play Fun Family Chess, an introduction to standard chess, and tips and strategies. It includes moves such as pawn promotion, en passant, and castling. Those are all things I learned from my son because my dad had taught him years ago, but otherwise I would have had no idea until now. This little booklet is filled with helpful information.

My kids were thrilled to receive their first wooden chess set! They love everything about it from the folding board to the variation of game-play to the bags for the pieces. My oldest (13 yr) hasn't been too interested in playing Fun Family Chess as he rather enjoys the strategy of the traditional game, but he has used the set to play multiple games against his siblings and friends.


The younger kids (11, 9, 7, 4 yr), however, have spent hours playing this new version--together and even by themselves! I have enjoyed watching them play and laugh. The littlest one is learning how each piece moves and loves playing with the others. It's pretty special not only to watch how patient they are with him, but also how quickly he's picking up the concepts because of this teaching method. I'm sure it won't be long until he's beating me at the game!

Brain Blox has done a fantastic job creating a way to teach little ones the basic concepts and giving them a love of the game. Fun Family Chess truly is "chess made fun for everyone."









Make sure to read our review of Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks! These simple planks are so much more than a toy. Engineering, critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness are just a few of the skills your kids will learn with these. They're a favorite in our home!


You can connect with Brain Blox on the following social media sites:m
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

You can read more reviews of this chess set on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.


Fun Family Chess {Brain Blox Reviews}
* Some of the links in the content above are affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase an item, I may receive an
affiliate commission. Regardless, I recommend products or services that I have used personally and all the text and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225.

Crew Disclaimer
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Friday, May 10, 2019

Pattern Explorer



One of the reasons we homeschool is that we want our children to be able to think for themselves, to be able to problem-solve to find a solution. That's why we love when we get to review for The Critical Thinking Co. We want to develop those critical thinking skills in our children to prepare them for life, not simply teach them facts from a book and how to pass a test. We strive to give our kids the tools necessary to make clear, reasoned judgments by teaching them to identify and evaluate evidence to guide their decision making through life.        

The Critical Thinking Co. is "committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life." They offer many books and curricula to prepare students, not by teaching through drill and memorization, but instead by teaching in a way that empowers the mind. In the past, we've used a variety of their products from a critical thinking detective book to a phonics program to an analogies software. This time, I chose Pattern Explorer Beginning to focus on math proficiency.


My 9-year-old is a math whiz. When he was younger, he would amaze us by completing complicated math equations in his head and would often solve math problems just for fun. Whereas his two older siblings cringe at the thought of extra math work, he gets excited. I knew this book would be perfect for him.

Mathematics is full of patterns, so it's only natural to strengthen those pattern-finding abilities to hone math skills. If a student can train his mind to find patterns in numbers, shapes, sequences, images, and the like, he will be better prepared for complex math concepts and operations.  The Pattern Explorer Beginning book is designed to help students transition from concrete to abstract thinking by signaling the brain to recognize patterns. The book has 88 pages and 40 individual exercises. There are 5 different types of drills which, of course, follow a repeating pattern through the book:

  • Pattern Predictor
  • Equality Explorer
  • Sequence Sleuth
  • Number Ninja
  • Function Finder


Each exercise is independent of the others and increases in difficulty as the book progresses. Though the same 5 types of drills are repeated 8 times, the variety of the activities keeps the book intriguing. There are equations, tables, shapes, numbers, and pattern pictures. The questions encourage math concepts that involve more than just patterns; they review liquid and space measurements, time, operations, and more. There are simple instructions on each page and space for figuring out the answers. 

My little guy has been completing an exercise 3-4 days a week, which means we're just about at the halfway point in the book. Because we received the digital version of the book, I printed out the pages and keep them with our other schoolwork. The Pattern Predictor drills fill two pages because of the extra space required to draw out the stages, but the other types fit on a single page each. My boy will work on the day's drill on his own and usually complete it without any help from me. At that point, I will check his work either by solving the patterns myself (because he can't have all the fun!) or by comparing it to the solutions in the back of the book. 


There is also a hints section in the back of the book. Though I haven't needed to reference it myself the few times he's needed a tiny bit of help in understanding the patterns, it would be very beneficial for parents or even students themselves who need guidance in solving the activities. The short hints give just enough information for the student to be steered in the right direction and figure the rest out himself. I appreciate that the hints are completely separated from the answer pages so that one does not accidentally see the solution while looking for a hint. 



This is what my 9-year-old told me about this book:

"I really like it! My favorite kind is the Pattern Predictor. I like 
drawing out the stages to see what comes next."

Pattern Explorer Beginning has been a huge hit with my third grader. He is doing so well at understanding the patterns and solving them. Some of the drills are a piece of cake to him, while others require him to think a little more. I love that he's being challenged and that he's having fun in the process. There are additional books in this series identical in format to this one but geared toward grades 5-7 and 7-9. I'm interested to see how well he would do with the next book after he finishes this one.

If you're interested in strengthening critical thinking skills in your children, I highly suggest taking advantage of coupon code TOSCREW19 which gives you free shipping plus 15% off any size order and expires 12/31/19.

To get an idea of all that they have to offer, you can sign up to receive free critical thinking puzzles delivered to your inbox by signing up on their site. My kids enjoy these weekly puzzles. Since you can choose which grade level(s) you receive, my kids each get a fun learning activity designed specifically for their age.


The Critical Thinking Co. provides not only engaging and thought-provoking materials, but ones that are interesting and enjoyable, as well.


You can connect with The Critical Thinking Co. on the following social media sites:


The Critical Thinking Co. offers so much more than math products. Some of my Crewmates reviewed things such as a book filled with tips and techniques to improve writing skills, a detective book to evaluate evidence and strengthen vocabulary skills, a book to prepare students for vocabulary in the SAT, and more.

You can read those reviews on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.
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Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Critical Thinking Detective Review



One of the reasons we homeschool is that we want our children to be able to think for themselves, to be able to problem solve to find a solution. It is our job to prepare them for life, not just memorize facts from a book. While rote memorization is profitable in certain areas, we don't want to solely rely on that method for our children's education. We strive to give our kids the tools necessary to make clear, reasoned judgments. In other words, we want to develop their critical thinking. Critical thinking has been defined as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action." Or more simply, identifying and evaluating evidence to guide decision making. What better way to strengthen their critical thinking than by using products from a company with the same name.

The Critical Thinking Co. is "committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life." They offer many books and curricula to prepare students, not by teaching through drill and memorization, but instead by teaching in a way that empowers the mind. Critical Thinking Detective Book 1, written by Michael Baker, is one such book.


This critical thinking book lets your child be the detective. It's filled with 12 cases in which to evaluate evidence and solve the crimes. The mysteries ensure that the students "read carefully and analyze and synthesize information to guide their decision-making." The book is recommended for grades 4-12, and though it is easy-to-use, it requires the student to pay attention to details and study the evidence.

My kids love mystery books and enjoy various series that focus on them, so I wasn't surprised that as soon as I got the book from the mailbox, my 12-year-old snatched it up. I was thrilled at his enthusiasm, but hindsight showed me that it wasn't the best decision.

When I sat down with my older kids (12, 10, 8) a few days later to work through the mysteries, I learned that my oldest already knew all the answers. He had read through each scenario. That in itself wouldn't have been a bad thing, I mean, I am all for independent learning and self-directed studies. The problem is that he quickly read the information, made an under-developed guess, and checked the answers. He did not take the time to fully strengthen his critical thinking skills.

He sat with the rest of us as we worked through each mystery and was disappointed that he remembered all the culprits and therefore missed out on the fun of solving the crimes. This time though, his critical thinking skills were put to the test, and he was able to reason through the steps of the process.


The book is set up so that each mystery is a two-page spread. The first page describes the situation and lists statements for four suspects. The second page is for notes and solutions. There is room to list each suspect and give evidence for their innocence or guilt.

The license for this book states that I have permission to copy each page for use in my home. That is so exciting when you have multiple kiddos! However, we chose to talk through the mysteries together. My kids are at the young end of the spectrum (seeing as one is at the youngest recommended age, one is a couple years too young, and one already knew the answers). I talked them through the first scenario and showed them how to evaluate the facts. I explained why certain suspects were innocent based on the information and proved who was the criminal. The second scheme was much the same, except I asked for their thoughts before giving my input. By the third, the kids were able to solve the crimes on their own. Of course, there were times when they were stumped. I would re-read the line(s) that contained the information they needed to deduce the next piece of the puzzle.


I love the format of this Detective Book. The descriptions are concise. Each sentence is numbered so that you can easily understand the solutions. The crimes are not morbid, but are appropriate for children (all thefts: lunch money, bath robe, plant, football, and even a couple lighthearted ones committed by pets).

The only aspect I don't like is the answer pages. Each mystery is listed and gives reasoning for guilt or innocence, but it also shows the lineup of the suspects with the criminal circled in red. It's tricky to look in the back for the answer of a specific scenario without accidentally seeing another culprit. The book should remove the images altogether and rely solely on the names for answers.


My kids immediately fell in love with this style of learning. In addition to developing their critical thinking skills, this book prompted me to introduce them to logic puzzles. As a child, I greatly enjoyed checking off those little boxes and using deductive reasoning to figure them out. My kids, too, think these puzzles are fun and have solved dozens of them since starting the Detective Book. Any book that encourages my kids to do extra learning is a plus for me.

The Critical Thinking Co. offers so many resources that look like fun. There is a Detective Book similar to this one, but the student solves the crimes by focusing on Vocabulary. In Something's Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha, students solve the crime by using forensic evidence such as fingerprints, ballistics, handwriting, and more. Students can decode riddles by relying on their language skills in Vocabulary Riddles Book 1. Whether you're looking for critical thinking activities, math books, science resources, or even full curriculum for every grade, The Critical Thinking Co.™ is sure to have something to spark your interest.


You can currently take advantage of coupon code TOSCREW18 to receive free shipping and a 15% discount off any size order! You can also sign up to receive free critical thinking puzzles delivered to your inbox by signing up on their site. My kids enjoy these weekly puzzles. Since you can choose which grade level(s) you receive, my kids each get a fun learning activity designed specifically for their age.

Thank you The Critical Thinking Co. for providing not only engaging and thought-provoking materials, but ones that are interesting and enjoyable, as well.



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You can read reviews of their various products on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.


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Thursday, April 30, 2015

La La Logic



La La Logic -- the name just sounds fun, right? That's what I thought when we first had the opportunity to review the program. But then, when I started looking at it in more detail, I realized that it was more than just a cute name. I found that the Preschool Curriculum would be a good way to fill a need in our homeschool.

When we do school each day, my older kids (ages 9, 7, 5) are busy with their learning while the baby naps through much of it. That leaves Tyler, my energetic, bouncing-off-the-walls, always-into-something 3-year-old. While I do work on educational stuff with him, it's more play-based than structured. Meaning, once I get distracted with helping the others understand difficult concepts, he's left to throw rice from the sensory bin across the house. Or scatter foam letters throughout the house. Or dump every puzzle in the house. You get the idea. I knew it was time to focus on a more structured period of learning each day.


The curriculum is broken down into 100 weeks of learning with options of schooling either 4 or 5 days. There are both online and printable exercises, which makes a good variety of activities. The skill level gradually increases as you progress through the program.

The activities are broken into 3 categories.
  • Brain Challenge -- This is the online portion. These short games, that strengthen cognitive skills, help the child process information skillfully and and make connections to other material more easily. There are 5 games each week.
  • Worksheets -- These printable pages are more than just an assignment involving writing on a piece of paper. They cover a variety of skills: problem solving, critical thinking, and fine motor, to name a few. 
  • Extension Activities (Enrichment) -- This is the hands-on part of the program and where that play-based learning that young children relate to so well comes into effect. It incorporates short stories and poems, science experiments, physical activities, word exercises, and more into fun learning games.

La La Logic will take roughly 10-20 minutes a day.

Monday
  • Brain Challenge (with assistance)
  • Extra Practice (optional)
Tuesday
  • Enrichment Set
Wednesday
  • Brain Challenge (independently)
  • Wroksheet
Thursday
  • Enrichment Set
Friday
  • Brain Challenge (optional)
  • Family Fun (fill in)


So, what did Tyler (3) think of his new school work? Well, he completed the Brain Challenge 5 times the first day! And then went on to the extra practice section, where he could choose his own exercises from the challenges. His smiles and excitement got the attention of his siblings, and soon all the kids were gathered around the computer. Since this curriculum is good for ages 3-6, I wanted to use it with Zac (5) too. The two of them actually choose to do the Brain Challenges 5 days a week and beg to be the first one to do it each day. Tyler tells me, "I have 'chool work too!" He loves being involved with the big kids. He can't quite maneuver the mouse yet and the touchscreen monitor doesn't work very well for the drag and drop portions, so he prefers to use the iPad, whereas Zac chooses the laptop. Even Alyssa (7) asks to join in on  most days.

We've been having a lot of fun with the Enrichment parts, too. We've done things like remembering the order of objects while someone else rearranged them, tosses a ball as we counted, discussed short stories, and more. The kids ask all the time, "What are we doing today?" Six weeks into the curriculum and they are definitely not bored with it.

Tyler's favorite part is the Brain Challenge, Alyssa's is the enrichment, and Zac's is all of it. To say that we are enjoying this program is an understatement.




We will be using La La Logic for a very long time. 

If my review doesn't convince you that this is a fun, engaging curriculum, perfect for little learners, then maybe this smile will.






If you like to see how other families used this program, you can read more reviews on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.


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