Some Logic Helps

Abstract

Introduction:  One way to make the logical elements in Harry Stottlemeier's Discovery more interesting to children is to get them to enjoy working with sentences beforehand.  I have found that puzzles which illustrate logical principles can be used to build initial interest in working with sentences that carries over into the chapters in Harry.  Puzzles can also be used as a reward.  After a particularily good class, instead of homework the fifth grade students I work with are given a puzzle - something to think about for next time.  There are some themes in Harry which can be supplemented with logical riddles; and I will mention one and describe how to do this below.  But before I get into a description of the mechanics of using logic puzzles with Harry, some comments about the psychological benefits of puzzles might be useful.