Logic Countdown [Paperback]

Bonnie Risby (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593630875 | ISBN-13: 978-1593630874 | Publication Date: June 1, 2005

This classic series will titillate students' imaginations while enriching skills in logical thinking. Logic Countdown problems are easy to incorporate into lesson plans and are formatted to enhance the fullest spectrum of curriculum areas while sharpening thinking skills. Challenging and instructional, these thought-provoking books present sequential exercises in logical reasoning that include relationships, analogies, syllogisms, sequences, deductive reasoning, inference, truth-values, and logical notation. Simple grids coupled with intriguing problems evoke enthusiasm and inspire students to higher and higher levels while of thinking acuity. Each book builds on concepts presented previously in the series to offer a comprehensive logic adventure for young thinkers.

The skills students build by using this book are applicable to several areas of the curriculum. Academic skills used for reading, math, writing, and science all depend on the ability to perceive and define relationships and to form inferences. But beyond the academic world, students will find logical thinking an integral part of everyday life.

This is the first in a three-book series designed to sharpen children's logical thinking skills. Once students master the skills presented in this book, they will be ready for new challenges in Logic Liftoff and Orbiting with Logic.

Grades 3–4

Editorial Reviews

Review

Blast Off With Logic is a series of three books that build upon one another at increasing levels of difficulty. Logic Countdown, written for grades 3–4, introduces relationships, analogies, sequencing, "all" and "no" statements, syllogisms, if-then statements, deduction, and making inferences. Logic Liftoff for grades 4–6 reviews and expands all of these topics, continues into deeper logical reasoning, and introduces logical notation. Orbiting with Logic for grades 5–7 builds on the previous two books, expands logical notation, and adds logic diagrams and logical fallacies. While it is possible to use any one of the books alone, they really work best as a sort of continuous course . . . Most of us parents will find many of the lessons new and challenging, so we should tackle them right along with our children to improve our own thinking skills. --Cathy Duffy, Cathy Duffy Reviews - January 1, 2009

About the Author

Bonnie Lou Risby grew up in the Illinois woodlands atop the limestone bluffs across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. These woods were her playground where she and her siblings camped out, played detective, and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors in every season. After attending college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, she taught school in Columbia, IL, for 13 years. She has taught elementary school, middle school, and high school, concentrating on the subjects of French, English, and gifted education. When Risby helped write the grant to establish Columbia's Gifted Program in the early 1970s, there were few materials readily available that fit well with a one-period per week pullout program.

After the birth of her son, Risby retired from teaching and joined a family and marriage counseling practice for 12 years, continuing to write and create logic books in her spare moments. Retired from her therapy practice, she now works in a family business with her husband and son in Ballwin, MO. Risby has continued to write classroom books, chapter books, magazine articles, and books for young adults.

Besides writing, Risby loves taking float trips down Ozark streams, biking, long walks with her dog, gardening, family history, and travel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Prufrock Press (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593630875
• ISBN-13: 978-1593630874
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just what I wanted., March 15, 2007

By 

Tanya Soto "Tanya" (Orlando, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logic Countdown (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my 7 year old daughter as I didn't think she was getting enough logic problems in school, she has taken this book, and in a short amount of time has worked her way through at least half of it. It has challenged her, and kept her going back for more. It is a great feeling to see her sitting in her room working in her book by herself, because she wants to. I definately suggest this book for all 1st or 2nd graders who love to learn, or ones who need a little encouragement.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this!, May 9, 2011

By 

T. L. Schurr "Homeschooling Mama" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Logic Countdown (Paperback)

Bought this for my 4th grader. I wanted to make sure my son was getting enough practice with Logic. I was fortunate enough to find this series. It's a great introduction to logic for young students. We're only doing a couple of lessons a week as we're also using another logic book. I liked it so much that I'm ordering this again for my upcoming 3rd grader and ordering the next in the series for my oldest.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alternative to Nonsensical Puzzle Books, August 16, 2011

By 

Chris - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Logic Countdown (Paperback)

I am impressed. I failed to truly relate the content based on the Contents page.

As I have mentioned amongst forum contacts and friends, most puzzle-type books do not impress me, and I often fail to understand the concept. However, this seems to be very appropriate in demonstrating analogies, relationships, syllogisms, sequencing, if-then statements, deduction, and inference in a manner that is not remedial but applicable to a child.

The lessons use those groups, statements, and examples of those concepts and ideas that are familiar to the child. That is to say that they use letters of the alphabet, directional placement, everyday toys, foods, beverages, et cetera.

So, I would start with Logic Countdown. I cannot see skipping this book. IMO, I find that you could start as late as the fifth (perhaps even the sixth) for a child that has not had any logic study. I also think that a third grader would have no problem understanding and reading the text.

I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of coverage and subject content. I like a simple approach to this topic at this age, and this fits us - without nonsensical puzzling that is.