Geo Flakes by Discovery Toys
Catalog Product Description: Spark your creativity with this open-ended artsy set of 7 snowflake shapes that easily slot together to form just about anything your imagination can dream up. Suggested designs included to get you started, but the sky is the limit. Handy storage jar with handle.
Product Number: #3690
Some benefits include:
*This toy promotes independent play with some limited instruction.
*This toy promotes sustained engagement.
**I also believe this toy encourages pretend play as well as creates opportunities for children to talk about their play experience. For example, when they build a dinosaur, rocket, house, car, etc. it creates the opportunity for the artist to discuss his or her work. Let him or her tell you about what it is they built. Ask questions like where would it live? What would it eat? How fast does it go? Where is it going? The possibilities are endless.
Watch this video to see an example of using Geo Flakes for language development:
Mom Review:
First of all, the Geo Flakes are very thick and I am not worried at all about them breaking. The storage jar they come with is perfect for keeping the pieces from ending up all over your house. (Hint: If one does go missing it just becomes a scavenger hunt.)
I am learning to step back and watch my kids explore the toys they are testing before I tell them how to use them. When I did this my daughter surprised me and never attempted to build with them. She sorted them; she sorted by shape and by color. She discovered there are two of each flake. I watched her create a grid in rainbow order and I realized how useful the Geo Flakes would be in learning how to grid. This made me think to turn the Geo Flakes into a grid game.
Another way I used the Geo Flakes was with one of my younger toy testers to see if he could identify different shapes. Each flake has a basic shape to it on the outside that is represented in the center of the flake.
When I sat down to play, I felt apprehensive because I do not consider myself naturally artistic and creating a free form design challenged me a bit. But, I put my mind to it and I realized if I started thinking about the shape of the design I was trying to make I too can be artistic. It reminded me of a book I read, Drawing with Children, that discussed part of being able to draw is just seeing the shapes in what you are creating (which has increased my artistic capabilities).
Overall, this is a fun toy that I enjoy doing with my kids and I love watching the creativity my kids have when designing.
Kid Tester Review: “I like that you can make cool and different stuff.”
Disclaimer: I am an Educational Consultant for Discovery Toys. I review these products as part of my business. To find out more about Discovery Toys go to http://www.discoverytoys.com/amandalarson or follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toysteachkids In addition, I may profit off any clicks to links made in this site.