ThinkFun-Alysis: Laser Maze

Can I tell you how much I love getting the email from Think Fun asking if I would like to review another game... I was blessed again to try out one of Think Fun's latest game, Laser Maze.  I will disclose that I did receive the game for free but it does not influence my thoughts about the game.

Rated for a single player aged 8 and up, Laser Maze is a challenge for persistence and sequential problem solving.  Its smoke and mirrors without the smoke.  Using mirrored pieces on the grid board according to graded challenge cards, the player must figure out where to put the other pieces so that they reflect the laser light beam its target.

My nearly eight year old analytical boy gave it the high thumbs up because he really liked the "split mirrors".  However, I did notice that it did not hold his attention for long though due to frustration tolerance.  He only got up to the third beginner-rated card (out of the 60 combo cards of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert) before he just shot the laser light around at different things in his room.  The other down side was the the battery to the laser light did not last long. After only three openings of the game, the light was dead.  So now I have to go get new watch batteries which will probably be at least a third of the of cost of the game, priced on Think Fun at $29.99.

It is a good quiet time game for when you need to divide the children if they are beating each other up.  Or great for an only child.  However, compared to the other ThinkFun games I found it to be moderately engaging. For the price I would be more apt to purchase Math Dice, Swish, AND Zingo To Go combined, or Cartoon It to get more bang for the buck.  Overall, if you know someone who likes independent play, problem solving and lasers, then it might be up their alley. But if you are looking for more interactive play, try some of Think Fun's other games.

BlueOrange ya glad you found Spot It?

I am a sucker for good games.  A while ago a friend introduced me to Spot It! by BlueOrange.  If you like HyperSwipe by ThinkFun, you might like this card game in a can too!

Spot It! is a super easy and portable set of cards with multiple pictures on each.  There are many versions to play, but we are into the "Tower".  In this version, you want to end with the most amount of cards. So the center pile is face up and you each start with one.  You then have to quickly call out a picture that matches one of your own to the top card on the Tower Pile.  And so on, and so on.

It addresses form constancy, the ability to see a shape and recognize it even if it is smaller, bigger, or even upside down.  It also can build on vocabulary, articulation, turn taking (or not), visual scanning and attention.  Then throw in basic counting, more or less than concepts, and you have a secretly educational game.

I love it.  We can play it as a family.  It is super quick.  We have pulled it out after supper, before breakfast, and between errands.  Though targeted for 7 and up, Mudge who is now 5, has been able to play.  He might not be as quick but he can make quite the pile.  And the fact it is small and in a tin makes me even happier since the room of games is quite full.

There are 13 versions of Spot It! like sports, jr., travel, alphabet, and more.  You can find it on amazon.com or at great little stores like BrainWaves in Narragansett, RI for around $10 and up depending on where you find it and which kind you pick up.  Try it out, I don't think you will be disappointed.

ThinkFun-Analysis: The Math Dice Family

Yes, I am a gamer.

I love games.  I love educational games.  And unless I need quiet time, I really don't like the electronic ones.  They are like kid crack. Of course, if it is old school Mario on the 80s Nintendo (yes, we still have one), then that is a different story.

But I recently purchased some great games, including Math Dice and Math Dice Jr.

Boog is a mathematician.  He is great with numbers. He loves mental math so it is right up his alley.  Roll the dodecahedron dice, the ones with 12 sides and multiply the numbers.  Then roll the other three standard dice and come up with equations that match.  In any way, shape or form. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, exponents, etc...

This can be awesome for game nights for dorky adults, me included as well as homework enhancers, classroom stations or events.  I was even blessed with receiving the Math Dice Tournament Kit from ThinkFun for free to try out.  It has enough dice sets and games for 16-18 students. One of my 4th grade teachers said it reminded him of a game called 24 that he learned as a kid when he grew up in China.

But I couldn't leave out Mudge. So I picked up the Math Dice Jr. too.  And even though he is a new 5 year old, he picked up on the basic adding and subtraction, with some assistance.   It was fun and they wanted to play multiple rounds, which is a testament to the game.  I did ask ThinkFun if they have or will have a classroom tournament kit for the Jr. version too, because this would be a great center addition! Still waiting to hear....

Math Dice is rated for 8 and up.
Math Dice Jr. is rated 6 and up.
Math Dice Tournament kit is targeted 5th grade and up.

There are different ways you can adapt it.  First, use paper and pencil. Take turns. Teach calculator skills. Use teams.  Keep score.  Or Don't.  You know your kids, your students, and yourself.  Grade and challenge the games based on your ability, versus your age.  It is a great way to keep your mind multiplying its neural pathways :)