TOS REVIEW: Balance Benders from Critical Thinking

What is Balance Benders? Balance Benders is a new line of product from Critical Thinking. Balance Benders are for grades 2-12+. The Balance Bender I received is for the grades 2-6, the beginning level by Robert Femiano. Balance Benders are a Logic and Algebraic Reasoning Puzzles available at four different levels.

BOOK INFORMATION:
Grades: 6-12+
Subject: Critical Thinking
ISBN: 978-1-60144-227-7
Pages: 48

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Table of Contents/Skills
Introduction (The Value of This Book, Teaching Suggestions, About the Author)
Puzzles
Balance Tips (Algebra Concepts)
Solutions

ALL BOOKS INFORMATION:
Gr. 2-6 Beginning Level (06701BBP)
Gr. 4-12+ Level 1 (06702BBP)
Gr. 6-12+ Level 2 (06703BBP)
Gr. 8-12+ Level 3 (06704BBP)

Each book is 48 pages, at $9.99 USD.

Balance Benders ™ guarantees top performance on assessment tests, including:

California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST)
Cornell Critical Thinking Tests (CCTT)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
and many more!

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So how did the Stemmerdings like this new product?? We really liked it! Or should I say my 6th grader enjoyed it more than my third grader did. My oldest enjoys Sudoku puzzles (like his Dad), and so I did figure that he would enjoy the book. One of the claims from Critical Thinking is that Balance Benders are 'more fun and addictive than Sudoku puzzles!' --I say the claim is right.

I don't like Sudoku puzzles myself, but I could go along and HAD FUN with Balance Benders....even though it's the beginning book. I heard a discussion the other day...about why a woman/family would not homeschool (she wanted to but did not have the confidence in doing so). Her reason as to why she didn't is because she was weak in math and the critical thinking skills (because of her own education through government schooling). Well, I can definitely say I am in the same boat, the only thing it that I am trying and they I am learning ways to give them the best I can give--Critical Thinking Co puts forth excellent products for better grades, higher test scores, and ultimately a successful life (worldview).

I still don't have that much confidence, especially with my own math skills, but with the right tools and materials--I can already see their own comprehension about the world around them that exceeds my own (when I was their age). This book proves it! By nourishing that train of thought, it will definitely help them when they get out 'into the world.' My only hope is that they do it with a Biblical worldview...

The book is very direct. Balance Bender gives you the puzzle, gives you multiple choice answers a.-f., and (THANK GOD) Balance Tips and Solutions in the back of the book.

My oldest breezed through until about half way through the book, but then with some 'critical thinking' and some reading help (Balance tips) he was able to comprehend and complete. My third grader is still going through the book.

I use it as a supplement to math mainly...but it is an awesome tool for critical thinking skills. I would definitely recommend anything that Critical Thinking Co. makes available to us. I do plan to order other materials from them for our next school year...

Here are some FYI's:

Sample Page(Balance Bender)
Critical Thinking Website (awesome)
Awards and Honors (WOW!)
They are on Twitter and Facebook
Request their Catalog here
Looking for something more than supplements?? Check out their Core Curriculum Page

NOTE: I am not paid to do the product reviews, so my review is exactly how I feel about the educational product and how my family used it. To view what other members of the Crew had to say about this particular product, please go here.