You’ve read A LOT about homeschool logic and critical thinking here on Our Journey Westward. Are you tired of the topic? Good! I’m not tired of writing about it either. It’s been such a fun and important addition to our homeschool!
When I come across new (to me) resources that are really good, I try to take some time to share them with you. Partly because finding logic resources isn’t as easy as finding “more typical” homeschooling curriculum, and partly because not all logic activities are worth the money.
I’ve found a new homeschool logic series that I love!
This post contains affiliate links.
Logic that is out of this world by Bonnie Risby
In many instances, the materials we enjoy the most are full of matrix puzzles. Matrix puzzles are challenging and require lots of exciting concentration. While they’re awesome tools for logic, there’s lots more to logic and critical thinking than just the matrix puzzle:
- Analogies make relationship comparisons.
- Sequences order things.
- Logical Notation uses symbols to represent variables.
- Truth Values determine the truth of logical thoughts.
- Logic Diagrams use pictures to determine logical conclusions.
- Syllogisms are a series of statements that form an argument and draw a reasonable conclusion.
- Deductions make determinations based on clues. (Matrix puzzles fit into this category.)
- Inferences draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.
- Illogical Reasoning are fallacies, aka poor reasoning.
Each of these logical skills not only stretch the brain, but enhance critical thinking in all areas of life. Not to mention, mastery can specifically improve subjects like math, science and comprehension!
All this sounds so complex, but it’s not not! In fact, with this series of books by Bonnie Risby, you can practice all the logic skills mentioned above as early as 3rd grade!
Logic Countdown, Grades 3-4Logic Liftoff, Grades 4-6Orbiting with Logic (Blast Off with Logic)
Logic Countdown is for 3rd and 4th graders, Logic Liftoff is for 4th through 6th graders, and Orbiting with Logic is for 5th through 7th graders. Each book practices the various types of logic in several quick worksheet activities. While the workbooks build upon each other, it isn’t necessary to start with Logic Countdown if your child is already older.
Take a peek at the jam-packed, but not overwhelming worksheets. They keep the attention of my kids! Each book contains at least 50 worksheets and an answer key. We typically complete between one and three worksheets per lesson.
Enough of my gushing. Tell me about your favorite logic resources!
Looking for more logic ideas?
You can find a quick list to some of my other favorite logic books and games for various age levels by clicking the image below.
Where does logic fit into my day?
Loving Living Math can teach you how – plus lots more! It’s an easy read, I promise.
Hi! Thanks for sharing this series, and your favorite logic resources as well. I will be looking into these soon. Would you say these are your preferred over the other ones?? I would like to try them all, but I don’t think we would be able to so I’ll need to pick and choose. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
GC, they are really good and are my top choice for the logical skills I mentioned. Really, they are some of the only books for elementary and middle school ages I’ve found to even include those skills. If you’re looking for logic matrix puzzles, my top pick is the Mind Benders series. If you could afford one book of each series, that would probably be best.