Analogies occur in life and frequently in high-stakes tests.
Understanding analogies and the ability to reason analogically (reasoning used
to identify, evaluate, and solve an analogy) are important problem-solving
skills which are an essential part of mathematical development. The immediate
benefit is to recognize and solve simple analogies. The long-term benefits are
improved reasoning skills that enable students to break problems into their
component parts, recognize analogies embedded in arguments, and evaluate them.
The 152 analogies in the Math Analogies Level 2 book teach students to break
problems down into their component parts, making it easier to recognize
familiar formats that enable students to produce solutions. These analogies are
designed around the grade-appropriate standards identified by the National Council
of Teaching Mathematics.
Math lends itself nicely to analogous thinking; much of math is about finding patterns, seeing relationships, and problem-solving. Most analogy books concentrate just on relationships between words; these are unique in their application of analogy to all areas of math: number and operations; algebra; geometry; measurement; data analysis and probability. It's a different way of looking at and practicing vital math concepts while also working on logic and reasoning skills. Books are available at three levels, have 38 pages of exercises, and include an answer key at the back. Exercises are mostly pictorial and numeric - especially in the K-1 book - so very little reading is needed. Most children will find this an enjoyable way to combine logic and math skills; children who enjoy puzzles will appreciate them even more!
We've used Level 1 and really liked it.
Great critical thinking skill development.
We're almost done with Math Analogies Level 1, and can't wait to use this one. My son loves these puzzles. Critical Thinking Co puts out amazing books.
great math supplement to enhance mathematical thinking