Fallacy Detective by Hans Bluedorn: A TOS Crew Review

 Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew

Fallacy Detective by Hans Bluedorn

It's time to teach our children how to think critically and Fallacy Detective by Hans Bluedorn is a great tool!

This softcover, workbook edition is recommended for ages 12 and up.  It contains 38 lesson on how to recognize bad reasoning.  I can't think of a more important lesson for today's students than being able to recognize and combat fallacies, or errors in reasoning and logic, that are being presented to them daily. 

This book is organized into 5 main sections and an additional section called The Fallacy Detective Game (to put what you learn into play) along with a full Answer Key.  The sections cover: 

• The Inquiring Mind - learning to listen and exercise your mind
• Avoiding the Question - with chapters on 9 common fallacies
• Making Assumption - chapters cover 9 more fallacies
• Statistical Fallacies - 7 fallacies dealing with the use of statistics
• Propoganda -a MUST read section for understanding media today!

I have been a long-time fan of this book, and have taught it to every one of my students over the past 15 years, and I promise it is an eye-opening exercise to read and discuss with them.  It's a wonderful tool for discussion and a vital thinking skill to teach to your children!

The book is organized with sections of fallacies that go together under broader categories.  Each chapter is short (usually just a couple of pages) and entertaining with real life examples and illustrations.  Following the reading, this workbook edition includes easy-to-complete exercises to make sure the fallacy is understood. Illustrations are black and white and frequently from our favorite Calvin & Hobbes cartoon strips.

I like to use this book in a Coop setting with multiple students.  It's great for a discussion based class!  I encourage each student to find an example of the fallacy from the chapter we are reading and bring it to class to show. We made a poster for each fallacy and keep them posted all year long.  The students love this format, and they are learning so much.  We'll be doing it as part of our CrossWired Communications course this upcoming year with our Coop.

It's also a great tool for family discussion - with the chapters being short and to the point, you can read and discuss in the same setting - for us, at the beginning of our school time together. But, I do need to warn you...your children will start pointing out all of your fallacies as well! 

Today's world is filled with fallacies - the only way we can combat them is to teach our children how to spot them, and correct the faulty reasoning and logic!

Check out another great product the Crew is reviewing  - Archer and Zowie!

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College Launch Solution from The HomeScholar LLC: A TOS Crew Review

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew

College Launch Solution from The HomeScholar LLC

College Launch Solution from The HomeScholar LLC is a comprehensive planning course for 10-12th grades that will get you and your teen on course for college!

This online program with lifetime access is packed with over 60 hours of training to help you understand the process of launching your child to college. 

The 8 training modules cover what you need to know:

• 
  Core Training on the basics
• Finding a College
• Paying for College
• Application Process
• Preparing for the Launch
• Succeeding in College
• FAQ - with updated videos for new questions
• Surprise Bonuses

In addition to the comprehensive training modules that includes videos, audio recording, ebooks, slides, downloads of planning information and articles - you get access to 

• Private Facebook Community (all Customers) 
• Monthly Accountability Emails (Group and Private Coaching members)
• Monthly Q&A Webinar (Group and Private Coaching members)
• One-on-one Coaching (Private Coaching members only) – Get 20 minutes of weekly email or phone coaching from Lee to get expert advice on your specific situation.

The course begins with the Core Training Module that contains tabs with information specifically for your Teen, the Parents, Being the Counselor and Coach, Understanding the Admissions process & Scholarships.  This information packed module is worth the price of the entire program (and you get so MUCH more!)

Lee Binz speaks clearly and directly to the teens - you can download a helpful workbook to take notes, and work at your own pace. She explains the entire process from start to finish with 12 sections that outline everything from how the college application process works, what tests to take, how to visit colleges, and even to how to find letters of recommendation and write winning application essays!

The core training is filled with all the information you need to get you started on a path toward college.

I love that you can work on these modules at your own pace.  Summer is my planning time, so this was the perfect chance to take a peek at the helpful checklists for my upcoming Junior, and make a plan for my upcoming high schoolers.

Another module that I really needed was the Preparing for the Launch section.  I have launched 4 of my students to college (the last one just finished her first week!) and I still fiound valuable tools and information here!  The "Prepare for Independent Living" checklist a gem - a list of practical skills that your teen will need with a checklist for discussed, demonstrated, practiced, and perfected. Absolute genius!

There is a section that covers "Unique Situations" filled with helpful tips!

The Succeeding in College module is a great tool for your students.  It covers training on how to thrive and guard your faith (a real test in college!) as well as information on improving study skills and writing skills with workshops from some favorite homeschool professionals.

The Surprise Bonuses include some of Lee Binz's best selling Ebooks, additional mini-workshops, introductory courses (if you are not quite to the college launch season) and even how to use the College Launch Solution to earn high school credit (the reading list is excellent!)

I love Lee Binz's gentle and encouraging approach.  Truly, this course will walk you thru everything you need to know about launching your students into the college world, and helping them succeed!

Be sure to check out some of the other great products the Crew is reviewing:

• Total Transcript Solution
• Comprehensive Record Solution
• High School Solution

Find The HomeScholar LLC on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomescholar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehomescholar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homescholar/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homescholar/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/homescholar/


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