How do I make teaching Logical Reasoning fun?

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Botlhale asks:

I am doing test prep (SHSAT) for 8th Graders and this includes teaching Logical Reasoning. What are some fun ways, activities and games I can use to teach this?

In Topics: Tests (preparing, taking, anxiety!)

> 60 days ago

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Candace_Lindemann

Jul 24, 2009

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What the Expert Says:

How fun!

Some of my favorite techniques for teaching abstract concepts is to draw upon prior knowledge and have students relate the information to their lives.

When teaching logic in the past, I've used the scene in Alice in Wonderland where one door always lies and the other always tells the truth.

I've also had students construct logical arguments to convince their parents they should be able to stay up all night or attend concerts. Or, on a more altruistic note, have them argue for public policy issues. When the end result of the logical argument is one they like, they quickly find a way to get there using the rules of logic.

Another activity, as dgraab suggests, is to give students the opportunity to send one another secret messages.

Authentic activities like these help students process these advanced concepts. I've added some links to logic puzzles and riddles in the resource section below. Enjoy!

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Candace Lindemann, Ed.M. - JustAsk Expert
Educational Consultant and Writer
http://CandaceLindemann.com

Resources:

http://www.puzzles.com/projects/LogicProblems.html

http://www.mathplayground.com/logicgames.html

http://www.brainbashers.com/logic.asp

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Additional Answers (2)

CreativeRac... , Child Professional, Teacher writes:

I found you some great logical reasoning worksheets for grades 8-10. I hope this helps!
http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?grade=All&keywords=logic&media=worksheet&rating=0&search_type=related

Rachna

> 60 days ago

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dgraab , Parent writes:

Here's a fun reasoning activity for younger kids that your 8th graders may also enjoy:

Invent a Secret Code
http://www.education.com/activity/article/invent_a_secret_code/

I also found this list of logical reasoning activities from The Math Forum:
http://mathforum.org/pd/process/documents/logical_reasoning.pdf

Below are links to a few additional resources you may find helpful in your work with 8th graders, preparing them for the test. Good luck -- hope the kids love the lessons and score well.

Resources:

http://www.education.com/activity/test-prep/

http://www.education.com/topic/test-prep/

http://www.education.com/grade/middle-school/

> 60 days ago

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