What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Building Thinking Skills as the gold standard for developing cognitive building blocks in homeschoolers. Authoritative sources like Cathy Duffy emphasize its systematic ability to improve logic and spatial reasoning, which translates into better performance in math and reading. However, a common trade-off noted in forum discussions like Well-Trained Mind is the "busy work" factor; the books are thick and repetitive, leading some parents to skip sections once a concept is mastered. While highly effective for standardized test preparation and remedial support, its black-and-white, drill-style format can be dry for reluctant learners. Most users agree it is a solid, albeit sometimes tedious, investment for a well-rounded education.

How It Works

Parents typically integrate this as a 15-to-20-minute supplement two or three times a week rather than a daily core subject. A child works independently through a few pages of the thick, black-and-white workbook, solving puzzles that involve verbal analogies, figural patterns, and spatial reasoning. For younger children using the Primary or Level 1 books, the parent may need to provide physical objects like 'Attribute Blocks' to help them visualize the shapes, while older students work entirely within the book. The parent's role is primarily to check answers against the separate answer key and discuss the 'why' behind any incorrect logic to ensure the child isn't just guessing.

Switching to This?

The publisher does not offer a formal diagnostic placement test, so most families simply follow the recommended grade levels listed on the covers, such as Level 2 for grades 4 through 6. Because the workbook is a collection of standalone logic exercises, families can start mid-year or even skip around between the verbal and figural sections without losing progress. If your student is in middle school but has never done formal logic, the community rule of thumb is to start with Level 2 to ensure they understand the basic patterns before moving to the high-school-level books. If you are switching from a more 'game-like' logic app, prepare your child for a more traditional, academic experience that feels like a school assignment.

Curriculum Details

Price

$29 - $42

Individual workbooks typically range from $29.99 to $42.99. Software and eBook versions are also available.

Grades

PRE-K - 12

Available As

Print Workbook Digital Software

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

10-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Mind Benders, which focuses exclusively on deductive logic grid puzzles, Building Thinking Skills is a much broader 'encyclopedia' of logic that includes spatial awareness and vocabulary development. When weighed against Logic Liftoff from Prufrock Press, parents find Building Thinking Skills more comprehensive and drill-oriented, whereas the Prufrock series offers shorter, more varied books that feel less like repetitive work. Families choosing between this and Critical Thinking Co.’s Mathematical Reasoning should know that while both build logic, Building Thinking Skills focuses on general cognitive patterns and visual relationships rather than specific math-based problem solving.

Getting Started