Earlier today, a parent posted a comment related to an entry on this blog asking about quality educational activity books for her gifted child.

I have a 6-year-old boy and have observed in him the urge to keep busy in some kind of mind-challenging activity. I see a great potential in him, and since I am running out of home grown ideas to help his little mind grow, I would like to know whether anyone can recommend some good activity books that address problem solving, critical thinking, language, etc.

I'll offer my response. However, as the publisher at Prufrock Press, I'm a bit biased. For this reason, I would like to invite our readers to post resources they would recommend regardless of who publishes the materials.

Finding Quality Thinking Skills Activity Books

There are a lot of companies that develop educational activity books. However, there are not nearly as many companies that develop quality educational activity books. Avoid the big companies that just churn out low-cost products. Most of these companies are more concerned with publishing lots of inexpensive booklets than offering much in the way of real challenge and motivation for gifted children.

Stick with companies that have made a commitment to serving parents and teachers of gifted children over the years. They know these kids and have a strong reputation in the field of gifted education to uphold. In addition to Prufrock Press, I recommend Pieces of Learning and the Critical Thinking Company as sources of quality thinking skills materials for younger students.

Prufrock has a line of great thinking skills books that are perfect for younger gifted children. Our online catalog includes sample inside pages from our books, so you can review the content of the books before you buy. Some books will be more or less interesting to your child depending on his or her interests. Let the inside pages and your child be your guide in selecting which books are best.

Here are a few of our products I would recommend.

• Analogies for Beginners (grades 1-3)
• Attribute Block Thinking Activities: Analogies (grades K-3)
• Attribute Block Thinking Activities: Sequences (grades K-3)
• Extra! Extra!: Advanced Reading and Writing Activities for Language Arts (grades K-2)
• First Time Analogies (grades K-2)
• Lollipop Logic (grades K-2)

Evaluating Quality Educational Activity Books

• Make sure the book is teaching a specific skill. Any quality activity book will clearly identify the skill being taught. For example, developing the ability to logically postulate a sequence of events, objects, or numbers is an important skill for any young thinker. Our book, Attribute Block Thinking Activities: Sequences (mentioned above) makes it pretty clear that it teaches sequencing skills using shapes. A responsible publisher tries to be very clear about the skill-set being addressed.
• Check the reading level. You may want your child to look at the book and test its reading level. The greatest book about improving logical thinking will do little good if it is above your child's reading level. Don't assume that the level listed on the book cover is accurate for your child. Quite often, gifted children read above-grade-level, so you may have to experiment a bit.
• Let your child's interests guide your choice of topics. It's important to focus on your child's strengths, abilities, and interests. For example, if your child loves mysteries, look for books that incorporate mysteries in their activities (see our book, Detective Club: Mysteries for Young Thinkers).
• Finally, don't assume that all learning comes in an "educational" package. For example, kids who complete the wonderfully complex K'NEX building sets are learning as much about sequencing as they will in any activity book. Be creative as you search for learning activities that will challenge your child.