Books with author Ellie Weiler

Critical reading, thinking, and understanding are required in order to answer the questions that follow each of the short articles in this 25-lesson book.Some of the questions call for factual answers found in the text. Other questions are based on the reader’s ability to apply logic, make inferences, recognize cause and effect, draw conclusions, and use reason to come up with answers. Clever illustrations pertaining to the topics are sometimes part of the comprehension process.

Informed thinking! “Knowledge” is defined by Bloom’s Taxonomy as “the obtaining and recall of information.” As such, it is an important step in building effective thinking and problem solving skills. When students are able to absorb information or easily recall it, their ability to effectively think and reason is expanded.The 26 lessons in this unit provide plenty of practice in areas that emphasize knowledge.Classifying shapes and words: (“Things you put air in: beach ball, saw, tires, skis…”), analyzing images: (“If the sentence is a FACT you can prove by the picture, write FACT on the line.”), distinguishing real from make-believe (“Mr. Bibble sent his nephew a monkey that could make a banana cream pie.”) are just some of the exercises featured.

Using object classification activities to exercising important thinking skills! Example:The category is Food. Think of an object in this category that begins with each letter of the alphabet.As students create categories using words and pictures, they develop analysis, discrimination, comparison, and logical thinking skills.The 22 lesson pages featured here pose classification problems - first on a simple, concrete level and then progress to more abstract activities. With these step-by-step exercises, children are sure to give their logic and thinking muscles a good workout.

Applying information. “Application” is the use of information that is recalled and understood. When students use acquired facts and skills in a new situation, they are practicing the transfer of solutions from one problem to another. The 26 lessons in this unit provide plenty of practice in applying knowledge to practical situations. Students are asked to do alphabetical ordering, work with dictionary definitions, sequence time/size/money, compare shapes, finish sentences, and more using information provided or recalled.

Teaching humor! It’s not at all absurd. In fact, absurdity is at the core of both critical cause-and-effect thinking and basic humor.Example:“We took our dog to training classes so he could learn to chase cars.” The reasoning here is absurd. Can you rewrite the sentence to make a little more sense?From slapstick comedy to abstract puns, absurdity plays a key role. Research now offers evidence of the value of humor as a tool for promoting emotional balance, stimulating intellectual growth, and improving physical well-being. In this learning unit, you’ll find 24 “absurdly” enlightening lessons. The step-by-step exercises are sure to improve thinking and logic skills.

“Synthesis” is the ability to combine parts of a whole in new and different ways. It requires students to think flexibly, determine alternatives, and find new ways to accomplish a given task. A more advanced level of abstract thinking is needed for synthesis. The 25 lessons in this unit encourage students to go beyond the obvious to more original thoughts. Example: An illustration of a bulb connected to a battery is presented. “Electricity is stored in a battery.” Look at the accompanying pictures of batteries, wires, and light bulbs. “Which bulbs do you think will light up?”The sequential activities featured here are sure to develop critical thinking skills.

Reasonable thinking! The 22 lessons in this unit cover five major areas of reasoning skills. The sequential activities featured here will most certainly help young learners develop critical thinking skills.Real vs. Make-believe:A fairy godmother? A bumpy road? A magic banana?Inferring:What does not belong? “Happy: humming a merry tune, a lost kitten, a closed door…”Fact vs. Opinion:Write one fact and one opinion about this picture of an alligator.Assumptions:“If the thermometer is at 5 degrees, you can assume you are going to feel _____.”Cause and Effect:“Sara took a basket on her walk because she knew the berries were ripe. Cause? Effect?”

Teach the thinking process! Experts agree that when “thinking power” is improved, reading, comprehension, problem-solving, and writing abilities will follow suit. The 25, highly visual lessons in this unit utilize art, calendars, advertisements, signs, and more from which students draw solutions. (A playground is pictured. “Draw a red line to show one way to go from the swings to the pond.”) Finding facts are also covered. (A May calendar is shown. “What is the number of the first Monday?”)The inclusion of creative illustrations greatly assists the learning process. The easy-to-use activities are sure to improve critical thinking skills.

Sharpen grammar and writing skills in just 10 minutes a day! This collection of 160 short language review exercises reinforces nine key skills-sentence construction, punctuation, capitalization, parts of speech, editing, spelling, synonyms/antonyms, verb tenses, and subject/predicate agreement. Used on a daily basis, Language Quickies will increase student awareness and develop skills in the specific areas of writing and grammar that should be mastered by fourth grade.

Grade Level: 2Now you can prepare students for standardized tests easily and thoroughly without disrupting your on-going curriculum!Easily incorporated into your daily routine, E-Z Test Readiness offers small units of practice featuring the concepts, format, and response styles of major standardized tests. These "mini-tests" offer repeated practice of sample items in a standardized testing format. The multiple-choice questions and corresponding bubble sheet are sure to add to the realistic experience.Based on the most widely used national standardized tests, E-Z Test Readiness will: reduce test anxiety, build confidence, improve test scores, increase mastery of content, and more!

CCSS Level: K-2Teach the thinking process!Experts agree that when “thinking power” is improved, reading, comprehension, problem-solving, and writing abilities will follow suit.The 25, highly visual lessons in this unit utilize art, calendars, advertisements, signs, and more from which students draw solutions. (A playground is pictured. “Draw a red line to show one way to go from the swings to the pond.”)Finding facts are also covered. (A May calendar is shown. “What is the number of the first Monday?”)The inclusion of creative illustrations greatly assists the learning process. The easy-to-use activities are sure to improve critical thinking skills.