Process skills in problem solving are like word problems, the difference is that they want you to use model drawing to solve, developing skills they'll need for algebra. So for each problem, you draw squares to represent either given or not known numbers, then figure it out from there. Its basically algebra, but instead of 2x+5=15 It would be represented by squares instead of letters.
The problems can be solved other ways, even in your head. The point is to draw the models to develop the skills for the future.
I would recommend these workbooks 100 times more than the SM extensive/intensive practice, or whatever its called. My child has already been tortured enough through the school system with "extra" work, I can't imagine doing that to her.
