~* Friday's Focus – The Thinking Toolbox *~

February 17, 2006 in Fridays Focus by Sheryl | 12 comments

Book Title The Thinking Toolbox : Thirty-Five Lessons that Will Build Your Reasoning Skills

Authors Nathaniel Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn

Illustrated by Richard La Pierre

Available: Trivium Pursuit Online Price: $22.00

Recommended Ages: 13 and up

Have you ever stopped to think about how much money is spent in advertising aimed at your kids? Did you ever listen to a political debate with your kids and have them express their views regarding the debate? Were they able to solidly defend their views? Can your children differentiate between factual and false claims as they wade through ads promising to be “scientifically” or “medically” proven to cause weight loss, restore lost hair, or return aging skin to it's former dewey youthful complexion? Are your children able to defend their faith, their world view, their political persuasion with substantive thought and clarity?

If you've pondered any or all of those questions and wanted a resource to aid your children in discerning truth and being able to share truth clearly, then you'll want to introduce them to The Thinking Toolbox. While this book is self-teaching, you would miss some great opportunities for lively discussions if you didn't share the journey through The Thinking Toolbox with them.

I would be remiss to not mention the Bible being our main foundation when it comes to seeking and finding truth. The Thinking Toolbox builds upon that foundation and the book's effectiveness is in its bringing the principles of that foundation into everyday situations. It teaches your kids ways to discern between truth and lie amidst the daily bombardment of information in sales pitches, “scientific” and “medical” claims, political debates, daily news, and much more.

Even in the book's examples, exercises, and answers, you will probably find that you don't agree with the authors one hundred percent of the time. Therein lies the beauty of the book: you no longer allow your brain to sluggishly swallow everything it's being fed. You are challenged to think through your acceptance or rejection of what's being offered. Additionally you learn how to defend your choice of acceptance or rejection.

The Thinking Toolbox is not a quick read. I'ts something to be shared one bite-sized chapter at a time. And each “bite” provides plenty to chew on. Prepare to be stretched mentally. Prepare to find yourself thinking about and looking for the truth while sorting through the morass of information that daily assails you and your family. Prepare to be better able live truth and to share truth with others in confidence. After all, isn't that really our purpose in life?

BTW….if you'd like to win a copy of this book, I'm holding a drawing next Friday. Anyone who leaves a comment on this Friday's Focus post will be entered into the drawing.

12 comments

Heartfelt Homeschool on February 22, 2006 at 2:06 am

Thanks for the review!
FaithfulGrace on February 21, 2006 at 3:56 pm

I stumbled upon your blog today. Love it!

I love the Bluedorn boys writing. This sounds like a great book.

I'll be responding to your internet safety post, later in the week. I have a few thoughts on this and our family's safety in general that I have been chewing on for a few months.

Keep on writing,

Linda

Edited by FaithfulGrace on Feb. 21, 2006 at 1:57 PM
Melkhi on February 20, 2006 at 11:46 pm

sounds like a winner!
Dell on February 19, 2006 at 10:59 pm

OOOH! This book sounds neat! I too appreciate you reviewing it! I’ve seen it in some catalogs and thought it looked interesting, but your review helps cinch it!
Amy on February 19, 2006 at 5:35 pm

Great blog! Glad I found it.
Angelstar on February 19, 2006 at 12:12 am

Thank you for the information on this book!! Looks like a great book and I love the idea of learning how to be a better thinker!! My children would benefit from this too! LOL Take care and thank you!! God Bless.
Cathy on February 18, 2006 at 10:24 pm

Well, I’m posting over here too! Lol

Count me in, count me in!

Cathy )
Amy Verlennich on February 18, 2006 at 3:34 pm

Thanks for sharing.

blessings,

Amy
happyhome on February 18, 2006 at 3:31 pm

Thanks for the review. What age would you say this book is for?

Blessings,

Angela
Sagerats on February 18, 2006 at 12:12 am

I really want to get this book. Thanks for reviewing it! Now I really, really want to get this book!

So, I have some graphics, uploaded some to flikr, now what?

Abiding in the Vine!
ClassicalHomeSchool on February 17, 2006 at 9:07 pm

Great review! This is a book that we are planning to use in our homeschooling future.
Steph on February 17, 2006 at 10:58 am

Thank you

Comments are now closed.