As a parent and educator, I’m always on the lookout for games that are both fun and educational. The Learning Resources Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game ticks all the right boxes. After using it with my kids and even with a group of students during a homeschool co-op session, I can confidently say this game is an excellent addition to any family’s game collection or classroom setting. It combines critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in a way that keeps children engaged while also challenging their brains.
In this review, I’ll dive into my personal experience with the game, its features, specifications, and why it’s such a valuable tool for developing essential skills in kids.
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game, I was impressed by its colorful and sturdy components. The set comes with:
- 20 chunky plastic blocks in four shapes and three colors.
- 40 double-sided activity cards featuring different patterns and challenges.
- An activity guide with tips and ideas for gameplay.
The blocks are made of durable plastic and feel solid in hand, which is great because I knew they would be handled roughly by little ones. The shapes are bright and visually appealing, immediately grabbing my kids’ attention. Each block is a different combination of shapes (cube, triangle, rectangle, or cylinder) and colors (red, blue, and yellow), which adds to the variety.
The cards are thick and laminated, which I appreciated because they can withstand repeated use. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, allowing us to jump into the game quickly.
Gameplay
The premise of Mental Blox is straightforward but incredibly engaging. Players use the blocks to recreate patterns, structures, or configurations shown on the activity cards. Here’s how a typical session works:
- Choose a Card: Pick one of the activity cards, which displays a specific pattern or challenge to recreate.
- Build the Pattern: Use the blocks to replicate the pattern. Some challenges involve stacking, while others require arranging the blocks side by side.
- Solve Verbal Clues: In some modes, players must rely on verbal instructions to build the pattern without seeing the card, which adds a layer of complexity.
- Think Critically: Some cards feature missing blocks or shapes that require players to think logically and deduce what’s missing.
We started with the easier cards, which simply showed a structure to replicate, and gradually moved on to more complex challenges. The game kept my kids engaged for hours, and they were excited to tackle the next card each time they completed a challenge.
Educational Benefits
While my kids were busy having fun, I couldn’t help but notice how many skills they were developing as they played. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
The game encourages players to think logically and analyze how the blocks fit together. For example, when faced with a missing piece or a challenging stack, they must experiment and problem-solve to find the correct solution.
2. Spatial Awareness
Manipulating the blocks to match the card’s layout enhances spatial reasoning skills. This is particularly important for young learners, as spatial awareness is linked to math and science abilities later on.
3. Following Directions
The verbal clue mode was a big hit with my kids. They had to listen carefully to instructions and follow them step by step, which improved their ability to focus and process information.
4. Creativity and Imagination
When we weren’t using the cards, my kids enjoyed free play with the blocks, creating their own patterns and structures. It was a great opportunity for them to think creatively and use their imaginations.
5. Teamwork and Communication
This game is perfect for groups. During our homeschool co-op, the kids worked in pairs, with one child describing the pattern and the other building it. This required clear communication and cooperation, which are invaluable social skills.
What Makes It Special
1. Multiple Ways to Play
One of the best things about Mental Blox is its versatility. You can use the activity cards for structured challenges or let kids explore the blocks freely. The verbal clue mode is particularly innovative and adds a layer of difficulty that keeps the game fresh.
2. Adaptable Difficulty
The game is suitable for a wide range of ages (5+), and you can easily adjust the difficulty by choosing simpler or more complex cards. Even younger children can enjoy stacking and matching the blocks, while older kids can tackle the trickier challenges.
3. Durable and Safe Design
The blocks are well-made and large enough to be safe for younger kids. Their vibrant colors and smooth edges make them visually appealing and safe for small hands.
4. Compact and Portable
The game is compact and comes in a sturdy box, making it easy to store and transport. We’ve taken it on road trips and to friends’ houses, and it’s always been a hit.
Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the game’s details:
- Number of Blocks: 20 chunky plastic blocks (4 shapes and 3 colors).
- Activity Cards: 40 double-sided cards with various challenges.
- Recommended Age: 5–10 years.
- Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 2.4 inches.
- Weight: 1.43 pounds.
- Material: Durable plastic blocks and laminated cards.
What I Loved Most
As a parent, what stood out to me was how much my kids were learning without even realizing it. They were so engrossed in the game that they didn’t see it as “educational”—it was just fun for them. I also appreciated the open-ended nature of the blocks, which allowed for creative play when we weren’t following the cards.
Another highlight was how the game brought us together as a family. It’s not easy to find a game that engages both a kindergartener and a third-grader, but Mental Blox managed to bridge that gap. Even I found some of the challenges enjoyable and thought-provoking!
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Durable, high-quality materials.
- Multiple modes of play for different skill levels.
- Compact and portable design.
- Great for group or solo play.
Cons
- Limited number of blocks could make free play slightly restrictive for older kids.
- Younger children might need guidance to fully utilize the cards.
Who Is This Game For?
The Learning Resources Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game is perfect for:
- Parents: Looking for a fun and educational game for their kids.
- Educators: Ideal for classrooms, homeschooling, or co-op groups.
- Gift Givers: A thoughtful and unique gift for kids aged 5 to 10.
Final Thoughts
The Learning Resources Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s a game that not only entertains but also helps kids develop essential skills they’ll use throughout their lives. The combination of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity makes it an excellent tool for both learning and play.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone looking for an educational gift, Mental Blox is a fantastic choice. It’s rare to find a game that’s equally enjoyable for kids and adults, but this one hits the mark.
If you’re ready to challenge young minds and inspire creativity, give the Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game a try—it’s a block-building adventure you won’t regret!