Ubongo Game Time

I recently got to try out Ubongo, a fast paced spatial learning game by Thames & Kosmos, thanks to Tryazon. This is right up Nolan's alley. At school, they play ST Math on iPads and computers which isn't any numerical math but rather spatial puzzles, brain teasers, and such. He begs to do activities like ST Match at home so I'm always on the hunt for fun. He's a whiz at this stuff and way better than any 7 year old should be. He beat me in our first game!

Ubongo uses a gem stone reward system which is a huge hit with elementary school boys. Think Minecraft and Skylanders gem stones and more! You have a minute or so (hourglass timer) so solve a quick tangram puzzle and you're racing your peers. Then the puzzles reset and it all starts over for 10 fast rounds. It doesn't involve reading so although it says ages 8 and up our four year could also slowly work out puzzles and be included. The cards always change and there are two levels of difficulty so it is not a game JUST for younger kids. If you're looking for a game your child will love and you will be happy to play along with them too, this is it!

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Little Programmers!

We are definitely a tech friendly family and my husband is a computer programmer/software developer. He's been coding since he was young and I imagine our boys will at least learn the basics at some point. When I saw the chance to try out Robot Turtles, I knew it was perfect. When it arrived I sent it straight to hubby to get his opinion.

The game helps encourage skills in kids ages 4 and up that build the fundamentals of programming. It started as a KickStarter project and is the most backed board game to date. I could definitely see why. Hubby had seen it advertised on his geek/tech forums and knew about it already. He dove right in and we started right away with out 4.5yr old. Nolan couldn't' get enough. He kept asking to play more and was getting everything. I don't know much about computer programming myself but I could see the skills when he'd put together a sequence of steps or when he would mess up and call out "bug". Nolan told us after playing it was his favorite game and he wanted to play it every day (which he has continued to ask for daily!).

I love that this game brought together father and son doing something more than counting cherries or basic memory play. They were both involved and it's great to see them gain hobbies and skills that they both enjoy. Interested in trying it out yourself? You can get your own copy on Amazon!



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.