Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts

Monday, January 8, 2024

Solving Cold Cases For Fun As Well As For Education!

Once upon a time, I really wanted to be a Crime Scene Investigator. I read every book I could get on techniques, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, true crime - anything that I could learn something of the trade from. I did research on what police departments are looking to hire for. Turns out, the one with the most knowledge in multiple areas, gets the job! They are usually low-funded for labs, so they hire one person to do it all. Don't believe me? Look up how many storage lockers are filled with unprocessed evidence. You will be amazed. 

What does that have to do with today's post? My love for crime solving has not died. I might never have been able to work that career, but I still enjoy a good mystery! You should see my library of books... Which is why I've introduced my husband to Murder, She Wrote. And thanks to finds from my mother, I get to pretend (for a while) that I'm the detective. 

Solving cases as a game

How many of you have done an escape room challenge? How many of you enjoy mysteries? Who likes to solve puzzles? 

If you answered ME! to any or all of those three things, then you are in for some fun ideas today. My mother has been finding various kits that bring murder mysteries into an affordable experience. Whether it is just you and one other, or whether you get a group of people together - it is a fun way to pass the time.

Perks to these kits

For starters, you go at your own pace. Some I have finished in a single night. Some I have done over multiple nights. Whether you pace yourself and savor it, or you devour it as quickly as your mind can process it, is all up to you! The first one I received, I insisted my husband and I had to finish it all in one night. I couldn't go to bed without knowing if I was right in who had murdered the bride-to-be! Could you sleep while an innocent man was framed for a crime he did not commit?! Okay, okay, I'm being dramatic. This is only a game after all. But this was the dedication I had during that first try. 

Not all kits are equal

As I will show you below, each kit is different. They serve a variety of minds. Some are better for parties than others. Some are easier to figure out than others. Some are more fun to work on over longer periods of times. Some interact with websites. Each are different. Uniquely fun in their own way. Even my kids have attempted to solve the murder! 

Unsolved Case File: Harmony Ashcroft

This was the first one I ever did. The one I made my husband stay up late with me to complete! Inside is a huge folder, filled to the brim with items that will help you piece together the crime and all those involved with your investigation. Photographs, witness statements, newspaper clippings - I was blown away how detailed they went with this. You can work this one alone, or with others. Over time, or as I did, all in a single night. It is available on Amazon as of when I am posting this. And it is also interactive with online links. Your goal isn't just to solve the case, which will be labeled as a cold case once the main objective is completed.

Your true and first goal is to prove that an innocent man was wrongfully arrested and convicted of the crime! It takes some real sleuthing to get through it. So if you don't like to really dig in on the brain power, this one isn't for you.

Cold Case Crackers

This is another one that is very detailed. I'd say it takes more effort like the first one I showed you. Great for a group game.

Or take your time and solve the riddle of who the bomber is and why. It has multiple phases. Can't move on to the next one until you finish each step!
Just like the first one, this one is brimming with pieces to solve the crime. Also like the other one, there are links you go to in order to verify whether you are correct in your deductions. I believe there are also hints available if you get stuck.

Murder Mystery Party: Death by Chef's Knife

This boxed set comes with a LOT of details. You really do think through the evidence. But it is finding the lies that makes the difference in whether you will solve it or now.
This one would be great for a party. But it can also be done solo or with a friend. I think my husband and I completed this in 2-3 sessions of reading and discussing the aspects.

But what do these have to do with education??

These are just games, hobbies, fun things, right? Yes, and no! I had my kids work together on the first one. Some enjoyed the assignment. Some did not. What they got from it, however, was worth it. They had to think. They had to reason. They had to focus their attention. And they had be analytical. This type of thinking is becoming a lost art among today's children. Our current generations are not being taught to think critically. To really read between the lines. These kits promote that kind of action. I think things like this should be included in the classroom setting more often.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

4-In-1 Virtual Reality Game Pack From Abacus Brands

Through Tryazon, I was sent this amazing game box! I can't wait to show you how much fun you can have. First things first...

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product for free in exchange for hosting a party and writing a review. All opinions are my own or my guests'. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

Okay now, let's take a look at this box and all that it includes. This is put out by Abacus Brands. It comes with 4 games in the one box. 4 ways to have fun! I think this makes it a great party pack. Not just for the fun, but for the learning. So I reached out to homeschool friends to see who could come hang out and try out this product with us. 

You have to download the app. Thanks to a QR code in the instruction manual, that was quick and easy. Next, you have an activation code on the front of the manual. You choose which game from the set you want to use first and enter your code. Once it has loaded the code, it downloads the game into your library. Then, you can repeat with the others. You only have to enter the code once, though. It will recognize that you have all of them and only ask if you agree to download more. Say yes, and keep adding to your library!  

Umm, I don't think it was supposed to do that....

I had to remove my phone from its protective case first. It was just too bulky to fit into the VR Goggles piece. However, when I went to insert the naked phone, I found that the foam started to peel off and even stuck to my phone!! I was not happy with that... Took me a while to scrape the glue off my phone. Now, to be fair, maybe it was because I had tried to put it in with the case originally. So be warned, and be careful.

Breaking it up into 4

Each subject, or game, comes with its own poster. These are full of information and on glossy paper. The posters are how you will interact with the Virtual Reality part of the games. In combination with the app, of course. In the app, you will hit that triangle for the Play option while looking into the center of the poster that corresponds. This will show you a spinning blue circle (think loading symbol) and then you will be transported into the interactive part.

Dinosaurs:

First up is the one my youngest was most excited for - the Dino-Dig. She absolutely loves dinosaurs.
And had been begging me to open it up since the party pack first arrived. I highly suggest that you lay down something like a junk towel or take it outside.
Also - be prepared for some dusty kids afterwards. I found that using water while we worked made the plaster come off easier.
Solar System:

Next up is the Solar System. I was disappointed that Pluto was not included in our solar system. Call me old schooled, but Pluto is still a planet in my book.

Putting together the solar system diagram or planetarium was a little difficult because the instructions included were... lacking. Thankfully, my son was able to eyeball the picture and pieces included to make it work. The kids needed extra paintbrushes so that they all could paint at the same time. Thankfully, we keep a bunch on hand for craft projects. But if you have multiple kids, just be warned.
I suppose it would have been better with the VR giving us instructions, but I was using my phone to take the video and photos at the time. 

Crystals:

Then we move on to learn about Crystals in the Lab. Growing the crystals takes 3-5 days. But in the video I'll load, you can at least see the process that we took to get them started. Within about 2-3 days, this is where the crystals were in their growth.

Green looks like a dud for us. I appreciate that the cups had lids you can set down in the top to keep the dust out.

Volcanoes:

And finally, we check out the Volcano Lab! Did you ever build one of those erupting volcanoes? Maybe with clay? Painted to look real? Building a volcano was one of the best experiments I can remember doing as a kid. And my kids get to do it now too. Actually, this isn't the first one we have done. The VR part had so much for them to see. And it describes all the aspects of volcanoes.

Right out the gate, we came to find we were missing some kind of "tube" that is needed to 'cap' the top and leave the place where the baking soda and citric acid goes to make the 'eruption' magic happen. We tried to improvise with a small plastic cup piece.

I wasn't too thrilled with that option or optimistic in it working. It wasn't deep enough. The bowl that comes with the kit is definitely not big enough to mix the plaster either. So I suggest using a bowl or pot that you don't use for food, for the mixing step.
Mixing with the stir stick they included was a little time consuming, but we managed pretty well I think. Move quickly though. this stuff starts to harden fast. You can see how we did it in the video. I'd suggest packing in the sides a little as you pour the plaster in. Although, I think ours looks really neat and more realistic with all the ridges along the sides.
Then came the painting time. It can be interesting with multiple kids. I had them take turns adding in colors and details. 

Here is the video we made of the various hands-on kits we did.

 

Pros to using these

First off, there is a lot of good information. You might have to correct some of the things spoken of or read from the posters, depending on your worldview. The interactive portions on the VR is really in depth! The kids had fun and found it very easy to use. I'm also glad that the kits came with hands-on parts. Things you can build or dig into. I find that kids are more likely to remember things if they interact.

Not conducive to those with glasses

Well, it was a bit of a let down for some of us who require glasses to see. Thankfully, with it being so close, it wasn't so blurry for me. And even my son (who is the most blind of us) said he only had to squint sometimes. You could attempt to wear your glasses with the headset, but it caused a tight pain on the nose. Kinda like wearing tight goggles. 

Where can you find them? 

I know our local Walmart had some of them on hand. In single sets. 

Amazon has the 4-in-1 kit for about $60. 

Or you can go straight to the makers! Abacusbrands.com has so many others to choose from. The Human Body and The World Atlas sure caught my eye.

Cons to the information taught...

As a Christian, I don't agree with the evolutionary teachings in the Dinosaur and Solar System programs. So if you are like me, be warned. You may need to remind your kids that the world is not millions of years old. That the universe we live in did not suddenly spring from nothing. That evolution is not how things came to be what they currently are. That dinosaurs died off because of an astronomical disaster. And my favorite? That we are still reaching out to aliens. We sent out a record with instructions on how to use it. This was hilarious to me. Why? Because I don't believe in intelligent life outside of our planet. And even IF I did, what makes us feel so pompous that we can assume they speak and read English?? 

Anyhow... These are theories (NOT PROVEN FACT) thought up by mankind, for mankind, to try to remove God from the equation. These kits are saturated with such views.

Monday, December 6, 2021

2 Games From Skillmatics That Our Family Loves *Discount Included*

My husband is sick and has a project deadline to complete. So we are spending more time at home, which leads to crazier kids. My husband says we have a case of cabin fever lately. This means that puzzles and board games are seeing more play time than usual. Perfect timing since I was sent a great couple of games to try out with my younger one. She doesn't often get new games that are geared towards her own age. Even better was that her 9 year old sister had no problem playing them with her! Let's check them out together. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these two games for free in exchange for holding a party and sharing my review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

 Learning made fun

Skillmatics is all about games that provide fun learning! They are a leading global education brand that is led by a team of educators as well as game and product designers who are dedicated to creating innovative and holistic ways for children to learn through play. They are deeply committed to their mission of developing educational products that bring joy to children and help them reach their full potential.

For this review opportunity, I was sent Guess in 10 as well as Found It! the Indoor version. You can get these and other products of theirs from Amazon HERE.


Found It! is great for days when you are stuck inside as we have been. My husband has been sick with the flu, so we haven't been going to the park, playing tennis or swimming. Before that, and will be after that, he has a class project due that he has to finish. Which also translates to being stuck at home. I've made scavenger hunts before. But they were simply to find items. This version, which is geared towards learning for younger minds, includes more than just finding something. It asks critical thinking questions. I love having it be more in depth. My boys are 11 and 13, both of them wanted to play with their sisters on this one.

The Guess in 10  was the first one we tried out. I played with my 5 year old first. Then my 9 year old wanted to join in with us. We were laughing as we tried to guess each others animal cards. 

I explained both games on my YouTube video. They are pretty easy to follow the directions on. 

Save money on your own games!

Skillmatics has been gracious enough to offer my readers a 15% off discount on their Learning Kits. You can get those HERE. You use the code Try15 at checkout. Don't wait too long though. This discount is only good until January 20, 2022.

Skillmatics Contest!

In addition to allowing me to host this party, they are hosting a contest. One that means winning for both the hosts and their guests. Here is how it works. Two hosts have the chance to win gift cards to Amazon. I need over 100 readers to follow Skillmatics on Instagram! Also, I need them to comment on my Instagram post HERE what game they would want to get from Skillmatics. Now for how my readers can win. By helping me in becoming one of the winning hosts, you are in turn entered to win a bundle of 3 Skillmatics games or a Skillmatics Learning Kit. If you like the sound of that, don't forget to follow my link to Instagram! 

What do you think of these games? Would you want to play or do you know someone who would? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you all! 

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Beating the Never-Ending Summer Blues

I feel like summer has been going on since Spring Break. Technically, my kids had school (albeit at home), starting about 2 weeks after Spring Break ended. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, home has been our prison of a sorts. I have gotten creative with challenging their minds. Free time has been filled with reading, writing and as much learning as I can get them into without exhausting them. I recreated this one game I saw on Pinterest (see my blog post here).

What to do when boredom strikes....

Sadly, that game has gotten too repetitive. We started a challenge every night at dinner where I would ask questions. Mostly from history, though I threw in some geographical ones too. I was amazed how few things my children could answer. They know only the things we have taught them on World War 2, Lewis and Clark, the Boston Tea Party, the Vietnam War, the Great Wall of China... My younger son actually said he thought the Great Wall of China was built to keep out the Mexicans! *palm to forehead here* They just finished 4th grade! But I digress. I started them reading books and writing reports on historical events that I find important. I also got a book on geography for them to study over the summer. And while this is all great stuff, I can't overwhelm them with learning all the time. Not unless I can make it fun.

So off to Pinterest I went again. My searches always bring up great ideas later on. And that is where this next challenge came up. It involves Lego, which my children have lots of. You will also need a timer and an account with Teachers Pay Teachers. Don't worry, this printable is completely free! The LegoLibrarian is a genius. I plan to head back for other challenge ideas later.

Here is how the game works:

Each child gets to build an island. I gave my kids 20 minutes to do so with any Lego pieces they wanted. Once the timer dinged, I handed each one a handful of pieces more and took the rest away. I set the timer for 15 minutes more after letting them pick from the challenge cards here.
When that time was up, my husband and I had each child explain their island and how they overcame their challenges. Today was the first time we did it and it was a success. 2/3 kids really put in the effort to add details.
The challenge for this kid was to build a trap to catch a thief.
My daughter had to find another way to make food for her island.

So give it a go! And don't forget to share the fun with us. Let me know in the comments below how your kids liked it or what you think is best about this little game!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Spin Master Party Games for the Win!

When it is too cold outside, you.... Have a game night! My family loves playing board games. There is always something new to try. Being chosen to host a Spin Master Holiday Game Night party, I was able to introduce our family to 3 new ones! 


*Disclaimer: I was sent these games for the sole purpose of hosting a party and sharing my opinions. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.* 


Time to get together!
You know that old Christmas song about the weather outside being frightful? (I imagine Dean Martin singing it - Let It Snow). Well, while we don't get much snow here, the weather gets frigid. The wind blows. And I don't want to go outside. If we had a steady supply of wood that didn't cost a fortune, we would have a fire going. All. The. Time. Hot chocolate and eggnog drinks. Home baked cookies. And board games! Who needs to go outside when that is the dream come true?! 

Families are getting together for the wonderful Christmas holiday. But what should you do during the slow times? For some of us, we have whole weeks to fill. What better way than try out some new games? Spin Master has 3 that our family has enjoyed. 


The Sock Game

We tried The Sock Game first. As described on the box - it is the ultimate race (in a sock). This one is fast paced. Each sock has items poured into it. There is a spinner that has the items around a circle. You can play with two players or create two teams with multiple players. We had teams. My husband spun and called out the item to be found. Each teams player dug in the sock, feeling around and trying to find that one item among the many! First one to find it, got a point. I will admit, this one was tough! Bigger hands had a hard time in the slender socks. The kids enjoyed it most of all. 


Reverse Charades

Next came Reverse Charades. I don't think I'm very good at acting out in this one! But it was hilarious nonetheless. One person has to interpret the entire groups acting to figure out the words on the cards. You have an hourglass timer set, so call out those words and guess them correctly as quickly as you can! This was the favorite game in our party. Laughter rang out through it all. Definitely suggest adding it to your game shelf! It is even on the holiday toy list.


Hedbanz

I have to admit, we have not been able to play this one yet. Didn't have time at the party and have been dealing with sicknesses since. But the kids can't wait! So instead of telling you what we thought, I can tell you what it is about. 
In basic terms, it is a "What am I?" game. You wear a headband and your card is tucked in front where everyone else can see it, but you can't. You have to ask questions to figure out what is on your card! You can even download an app that enhances the game play. This one is also on the Holiday Toy List this year.

                                                     Where can you get yours? 
Best bet is Amazon. Target doesn't have some and Walmart was more expensive. You can check here for them! Amazon - The Sock Game, Hedbanz, Reverse Charades

Let me know what you think about these games in the comments below! I love hearing from you all.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Get Your Family and Friends and Astro Trash!

Back to school has kicked in. Families are falling into routines again. But maybe you need help to break the monotony? Time to fall in love with board games again, folks! This family friendly game is all about speed and fun. We totally enjoyed it and I think you will too. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this game by Tryazon and USAOpoly for the sole purpose of introducing it to others. It was sent free of charge. All opinions are my own.*

This game is for 3-5 players, any of whom are over the age of 6 years. It is very fast paced. There aren't 'turns'. Its a roll until you've emptied your 'planet' of trash. But be careful to watch your neighbors. You don't want them to clean up their planet first! You keep resetting and playing until someone gets 3 trophies. Each round is about 10-15 minutes. This game is better suited to small parties or just family gatherings. That's the quick explanation. Now, let's break it down!


So how does it go? 

Quite simply, actually. Every player gets to grab a planet. They also get 3 dice each. The dice tell you what trash, how many and what to do with it for every roll. You begin the round by saying, 1, 2, 3, ditch it! Then you keep on rolling, following the dice and getting rid of the trash on your planet as quickly as possible. The first one to clear it all, gets a trophy. You reset the trash and start again. Keep repeating until one player has 3 trophies! 

Where can I get a copy for myself? 

So very glad you asked! Target and Amazon both carry it. So pick one up in the store or order it online. 

Who came up with this? 

USAopoly! They are the makers of other great tabletop games. Ever heard of Munchkin? How about Clue? Trivial Pursuit? They all came from the same parent company! If you liked any of those, you should enjoy this one equally.  

Want to see it in use? 

Check out my video below and let me know what you think! What is your favorite aspect of this game?

Friday, December 7, 2018

Watch Ya Mouth and Bring On the Fun Times!

Our family enjoys a good board game from time to time. Especially when we head up to my in-laws. It is a wonderful way to connect, relax and even learn a little more about each other. Which is why I'm happy to introduce you to Watch Ya Mouth!

*Disclaimer: I was chosen through my association with US Family Guide to write a review on this product. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.*
What kind of gamer are you? Simple games? Quick games? Family-oriented? Well, we like branch out. We like to get silly. This game brings silly to the table.  
Quick facts about the game:
  • Best for ages 8 and up
  • For 3-10 players
  • Comes with 2 sizes of mouth pieces, big and small! (Dishwasher safe!)
 You get 200 cards with references from the 90's that you have to say while wearing the mouth piece. And your team uses the timer to try and guess what it is you are really saying. The more your team guesses correct before the timer runs out, the more you score! You go 4 rounds and rake in as many points as you can!
Remember when scrunchies were cool? When "yo", "that's dope" or "that's tight" were common expressions? How about the phrase, "Party in the front and business in the back"? Leave me a comment below if you know what that refers to! Well, this game brings those things back in full force. 

The mouth piece reminds me of the headgear I used to wear with braces....

Playing this game was hilarious! My 8 year old son was winning the most. We played it again when my in-laws came down for Thanksgiving. We laughed so very much. And as they say, laughter is the best medicine!  
Watch Ya' Mouth 90s Edition will take you back to a brighter, more simple time when Scrunchies were cool and Marky Mark was a musician. With the 90s bundle, you get twice the content and nostalgia for days! That's tight, yo!

VOTED BY FANS: 90's version exists because of YOU!
From the company that made Watch Ya' Mouth, the top selling, original, award-winning party card game
Watch Ya' Mouth: 90's Edition combines the game play you've come to know and love with the nostalgia of all things 90's
Bangin' phrases such as "Billy Ray's Mullet" and "Gameboy" will bring it all back for a night of dope fun!
3-10 players wear cheek retractors and speak out 90's phrases while teammates guess what they are saying
Includes 300+ Family-Safe phrases. Great for all ages including kids who are 8+
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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Good Games Expo coming soon!

Listen up, gamers, game enthusiasts and those who like to just have fun around those that are in the first two categories. ESports has teamed up with EdYOUcation to host the Good Games Expo here in San Antonio at the New Horizons Computer Learning Center off Vance Jackson and 410. 
You can now register to play games such as Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch and Super Smash Bros! Enjoy the tournament and come see the events sponsors. This event is happening on September 17th! Starting at 9 AM and going strong until 11 PM. 

Its not just so that we can get our game on or watch those who are true gamers... though that is quite the fun part! No! EdYOUcation also works hard to connect students to the professional world. Sponsors will be setting up to show students how or what they can be capable of. 
Who is EdYOUcation? EdYOUcation helps students build a professional profile that will get them on the path to success in a career they can love. How does that work? A student expresses their interest and EdYOUcation will connect them with a company as well as help them build a professional profile. This can help students realize dreams or at least know if their dream is what they really want for the long run. They can get a Shadowship, where they can have the chance to visit and observe what their dream job really entails. This approach helps students to pick a profession they will stick with until graduation and after. 
There is a great line up of sponsors so far. Redbull, Blizzard, New Horizons, Twitch, Riot, and Tespa. I'm not at liberty to give much more insight, but I'm bursting with excitement at some of the other possibilities we have lining up. I say "we", because I work at New Horizons as a Classroom Rental Specialist. I've been helping as best I can to get this event set up. As such, I'm urging you guys to keep a watch out for this event. I promise to post more about it as information becomes more publicly available. And should you want to be a sponsor, or know someone else who would be interested, please share this with them! We want to have everyone in San Antonio interested in this! Follow them on Facebook and share their page! 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

My son and the F bomb...

Today my son definitely said THE F word. Three times. No doubt about it. And the result? I told him it's a bad word and I never want to hear it coming from his mouth again. I feel guilty. I know growing up, my parents would've smacked the tar outta me for saying that. I wasn't even allowed to say "what the hell". I remember the first time that phrase slipped my lips in the presence of my mom. 
So where is this coming from? Not me. I don't curse around my kids. I try to not swear at all. And my husband is deaf so unless he signs it, he doesn't say it either. What other options? TV? My kids don't watch anything that I don't approve of. They have minds like sponges that can soak up and splash out everything imaginable. Radio? I only listen to Christian, their CDs, and the occasional flipping through channels and stopping on good songs that I know aren't going to come back and bite me. What does that leave me? 
Games. Yep, we are all gamers here. Even the kiddos. But I make sure to turn the volume down. I know what the content of my Black Ops and Halo might be. So I mute them when I play. I've also warned my husband. But there have been occasions when he forgets and I catch him. I remind him and shut off the sound. Not like he needs it anyhow, right? I've also warned my brother though he seems to hate turning the sound off. He hasn't learned to make his own noises in the game and hasn't learned the fun of yelling "Die!!!" as he slices and dices the living dead Nazi's. 
That's another thing... I've been faced with the question of whether the children should see us playing such a game. I've banned them from watching my husband play Grand Theft Auto. I dread the day my son asks me why Bryan's character is going into a house filled with naked women on poles. Or tells me he can't wait to steal a car and shoot back at the police. Bad enough I came home from work and he told me "On daddy's game, the guy took his shirt off and drove fast cars. Then he took his pants off and the cops shot him!" *insert head slap here* Followed by, "Bryan!" 
We have had talks about this. I know how poisonous the games can be to young minds. Today makes that point very real. 
And if the game doesn't come with a foul mouthed character, you can bet there's going to be some hot shot 8 year old spouting off profanities that would make a sailor blush. I cannot tell you how many times I've been asked personal questions because some kid found out he was playing with a "girl"! What I'm wearing has no bearing on how well I do against you. Cursing a bloody storm worth of words won't make you play better and definitely won't impress the intelligent opposition. 
I can't erase what has been done. But I'm going to be even more cautious of what they are exposed to from now on. My husband and brother too, better watch out. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Keva Structures game review from MindWare Toys

I'm a home schooling mom of three. While my two boys are still preschool level, I use every opportunity I can to teach and enrich their knowledge. Children learn more from birth to five years old than they learn their entire life after. They have minds like sponges, soaking up concepts that we as adults might not understand. For my boys' learning, the best way to teach is through hands on activities. They are hyper active and don't like sitting still for long without some kind of stimulating exercises. MindWare sent me the Keva Structures game for a review.
It comes with 200 pine wood planks and a guide book with ideas for building. There is no messy glue, no connector pieces. Just wood and imagination!
I love these. Growing up, my dad had a wood shop. When he had small pieces of wood left over from a project he would let us play with them. In our minds it was more fun than any multi-gadget toys and noise makers. These planks smell like fresh pine. They are smoothly cut so as not to give little fingers splinters. They provide hours of quiet fun.
They actually used Keva planks to construct the worlds tallest Keva Structure in the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.. It was 51 feet, 8 inches tall! They used 5,123 planks and took 13 hours to build it.
Even my baby girl wanted to join the fun!
When the fun is all done, the kids get a chance to pick them up and practice their packing skills to fit everything into the box neatly. This game requires concentration and helps to refine motor skills as they design and build amazing structures.
As an added bonus, they also sent a sampler book of their MindWare Brain Teasers.
Extreme Dot-to-Dot anyone??
Highly detailed coloring pages.
And Venn Perplexors to really boggle the mind.
Everything at MindWare is based on learning and exploration. You can check out their website, Facebook or their Twitter to keep up with specials and news.