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If you’re looking for a supplement that sharpens your child’s logic, observation, and problem-solving skills—all without a screen—Building Thinking Skills Level 1 is a fantastic choice. It’s one of those rare resources that feels both academic and fun, helping children develop the cognitive tools they need to understand how to think, not just what to think.
Why We Love This Book
This book doesn’t just cover one subject—it builds foundational skills that strengthen every area of learning. Think spatial reasoning, analogies, sequences, critical thinking, following directions, and categorization. My kids felt like they were playing brain games, but I knew they were flexing important mental muscles.
It’s ideal for ages 7–9 or children working at a 2nd–4th grade level, though you can easily adjust for slightly younger or older learners depending on their readiness.
What’s Inside?
- Visual Discrimination & Spatial Awareness
Children learn to compare shapes, complete patterns, and analyze diagrams. It’s perfect for visual learners or kids who thrive with puzzles and hands-on thinking. - Verbal Reasoning & Analogies
These exercises help kids recognize relationships between words and ideas—great for both language development and standardized test prep down the road. - Step-by-Step Logic Development
Each section builds upon the last, reinforcing prior concepts while introducing new ones in a thoughtful sequence. No hopping around or disjointed activities here—just clean, logical progression.
How It Fits into a Homeschool Routine
| Use Case | How to Implement |
|---|---|
| Morning Warm-Up | Use one page a day to “wake up the brain” and ease into the school day. |
| Independent Work Block | The clear instructions and visual cues make it ideal for solo work. |
| Supplement for Any Subject | Thinking skills translate into better performance in math, reading comprehension, and science. |
| Great for Summer Bridge | Keep minds active during breaks without overwhelming your child. |
Bonus: Open-and-Go Friendly
Homeschool parents are often juggling multiple ages and subjects, and this is a resource that requires zero prep. Just hand it over, provide a pencil, and let the thinking happen. If your child gets stuck, most activities are short enough to talk through without derailing your day.
Building Thinking Skills Level 1 is one of those quiet powerhouse tools. It won’t replace your core subjects—but it will enhance all of them by strengthening the way your child approaches learning in general. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to fill in some skill gaps, this book earns a permanent place on the shelf.
Purchase it here → Amazon – Building Thinking Skills Level 1 by Sandra Parks & Howard Black
