Mental Blox, By Learning Resources - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Building blocks with challenge cards 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love building and challenging themselves / Parents & teachers looking for educational resources to encourage critical thinking and teamwork 

Building toys and logical games are two of my favourite categories of educational resources, so when I saw “Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game” from Learning Resources, I was thrilled! Thank you Clover Street, we are loving this kit! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Memorise, Listen, Build - VERSATILE Building Blocks

Mental Blox kit is like a treasure trove - lift up the lid, you will see 20 geometric blocks - chunky, eye-catching, waiting to be explored! You get 6 cubes, 6 spheres, 4 pyramids, 4 t-shaped blocks, and 40 activity cards. The blocks can be sorted according to shapes, colours, or patterns (stripes, dots, plain). Our 4 year-old enjoys replicating the structures depicted on the cards - matching the shapes, colours, attributes, and arrangements. The instructions sheet also includes suggestions of a few creative ways to use these blocks. The kids can “look and build” (players look at the card for 10 seconds, memorise the structure, and build it). They can also “listen and build” - one player describes the structure, and another builds it based on the verbal instructions. The latter is probably the more challenging amongst the two; for example, the cross can be placed upright in t or x position, or facing downward. A block can also be arranged with the stripes facing horizontally or vertically. I love how versatile they are - sorting, stacking, matching, training visual memory, communication skills, and so much more! 

(2) 40 Critical Thinking Challenges 

I love that the blocks can grow with the kids and be used in many age-specific ways. On each of the activity card, there is a further challenge underneath the image of the structure. Players may be asked to re-arrange the structure so that all patterned blocks are at the bottom, or identify a common attributes of the blocks, or add a sphere to make a structure taller (but not wider) etc. 

(3) Chunky & Durable Blocks With Organised Storage Box 

I love the light-weight, durable, chunky components - these blocks are thoughtfully designed to be easily grasped by little hands. They are visually appealing, and I love the flatten ends of the spheres that make them easy to be balanced on another block. I also love that organised storage box with individual compartment for each block. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/mental-blox-critical-thinking-activity-set/ (Australia) 

https://www.sensoryoasisforkids.com.au/mental-blox-critical-thinking-game/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!