Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving book review

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.

The Critical Thinking Co.™ provides fantastic critical thinking resources for students such as Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving. I was provided the physical book Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving to use with my kids.

The Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving book has ten chapters that each cover a different type of Logic/math problem.  For example, there is a chapter on solving Geometry Word problems, and of course, there are chapters for Algebra Word problems.  Thankfully the answers are also in the back so you will not be left wondering what’s the right answer.  The introduction of the book and the beginning of each chapter have hints for solving a particular type of problem.  In the picture below you can see the flowchart suggested.

Master Logic and Math problems?  How about enjoying Math word problems?  That’s exactly what the book is for.  The book says the goal is to “have students approach all types of problems with a sense of fun anticipation and confidence.” The book has general problem-solving strategies, a flow chart, and tips for all the different types of problems.  I thought that there were a good number of examples to follow.  I always like examples and I thought the Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving book had just the right amount of example problems.

I let my son pick out what problems he thought looked interesting and then I gave him some that corresponded with his math level.  He really likes puzzles so he really enjoyed the book. You can see in the picture below one of the problems he worked out.  As you can see many of the problems have a diagram to help you draw out the problem

Here is another example of how the book leads you through an algebra story problem. You can see how it makes it easier to figure out using the provided table to fill in. I would definitely recommend it for your child if they are having problems figuring out Algebra story problems.

My problem-solving boys loved just picking up the book and trying their hand at different problems. Even my 18 year old would try some of the problems.  My boys really enjoyed the different problems.  I would suggest making sure the problems are at their level and that they don’t cheat and look at the answers in the back before they try it.  The book says grades 6 -9 and I would agree however even higher level high schoolers will enjoy the challenges.  I would recommend Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving if you have a junior high or high schooler who is not thrilled with word problems as a supplement to your math curriculum.  I would also recommend it if your child enjoys solving problems!

We used Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving, but other families used various books from The Critical Thinking Co.™ so be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more views.

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

Math Shed and Spelling Shed Review

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.

Spelling is not my specialty so we were excited to receive 12 months of access to both Math Shed and Spelling Shed.  If you are looking to add some spelling and math digital learning to your homeschool, let me tell you about Math Shed and Spelling Shed.

What is Math Shed and Spelling Shed?

Math Shed and Spelling Shed are part of EdShed.  The programs are designed to help your student improve their math and spelling proficiency.  Math Shed and Spelling shed are an online subscription. The program is web-based so it works on both a computer and also on the iPad.

Spelling Shed – Spelling Shed is a full Spelling curriculum program.  There are six levels (called Stages) plus a beginner level for phonics.  Each level has spelling lists that focus on a particular spelling rule.  For example, Stage 3 has a list for Long /a/ sound words. You can assign your student a Stage and even a specific Spelling word list.

You set up students and give them assignments in the “Teacher Hub”. You can also set the password for your student there or keep the recommended one.

They can work on spelling lists or play a game called”buzz” where they try to make different words with letters on the screen.

There are three kinds of game:

  •  Play – This is the main game type and use used for assignments
  • Bee Keeper – Can you guess your words by choosing letters.
  • Buzz Words – Make words using random letter tiles.

 

MathShed – MathShed is a web-based program with games to help your child learn different math facts.

The math games have a question and three answers to choose from.  There is catchy music and sound effects.  This is what the gameplay looks like.

Both games allow you to earn honeypots to buy different accessories for the avatar.  That is the main motivation for the student. There are also points so you can have a competition between students.  If you have two computers you can also set up a head to head competition by creating what’s called a Hive.  The teacher or the student can set up a hive competition game.  I tried it with my boys however we had issues with the iPad not showing the keyboard so we were not able to fully try that level.

What we thought

Math Shed and Spelling Shed were definitely helpful for my children working on spelling and math facts.  The boys enjoyed the games and were challenged.  I usually set up the game difficulty level for them depending on what I thought their level.  The Easy level shows all the letters that are used in the spelling word but the most difficult level does not give any help.  The instructions say not to worry about it using the easy level and to use the hard levels towards the end of the week.

One of the other nice features I liked about Spelling Shed was the curriculum guide.  There is a pdf and PowerPoint that you can use to teach the new spelling list.  I thought it was very helpful to see all the spelling words and the instructions on. how to teach and use the program.  Each week has a lesson plan, activities and printable practice/homework sheets with answers

I hope you consider EdShed to help your child spell better and build math mastery!

Be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read more reviews of Math Shed and Spelling Shed.

Spelling Shed & Math Shed {Education Shed Reviews}

Artistic Pursuit Art Curriculum Review

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.

As a child, I loved art so I was excited to review the Artistic Pursuits Inc., Middle School 6-8 Book One, The Elements of Art and Composition to use with our family for art instruction!

What is the Artistic Pursuits curriculum?

The Artistic Pursuits Inc. curriculum consists of a spiral-bound book that can be used as a full art curriculum.

The art lessons are divided into 16 units that cover different elements of art. Each unit has four lessons that cover vocabulary, art history, techniques, and applications. I especially enjoyed the historic art pieces from the past. The middle school book one that we used highlighted many artists from the orient. That was very interesting since I was not familiar with most of the art pieces highlighted. The art piece along with the culture of the artist is discussed. Each lesson has one “challenge” which is a sketch or study. You can see in the picture below one of the challenge sketches my son did.

The only items you will need are pencils and some other art supplies depending on what book you use.

What did we think

I loved just looking at all the different art pieces. The pieces selected were beautiful. They weren’t to hard to copy if required by the book.

The other thing I liked about the book is that I didn’t have to worry about pictures in the book. So many times I flip through an art book and discover that I cannot show it to my kids because of the human art studies. You can see in the picture below how Artistic Pursuits displays the human figure.

The techniques presented in the lessons were easy to follow. You can see in the picture below an example of instructions for different art techniques.

Overall I really liked the Artistic Pursuits Inc. curriculum. It is easy to do at home one child or even with a group of children. You can use the curriculum straight through or you can even choose which units you would like to focus on.  If you are interested they are also offering online videos for beginning art instruction. The blog with free video lessons for beginning drawing students is at https://artisticpursuits.mykajabi.com/blog. This is a 16-week summer series that is featured each summer.

Artistic Pursuits Inc. has many other art curriculum books that other families used so be sure to visit the Homeschool Review Crew to read more views.

Art Through The Ages & Art for Children {Artistic Pursuits Inc. Reviews}