Both puzzle sets, Mighty Mind and its sequel, Super Mind, are exceptional games that help children learn and develop basic skills as they play independently.
Mighty Mind features 32 colored plastic shapes along with a set of numbered cards. Children use the shapes to fill in larger pictures on the cards.
The cards are carefully sequenced. The first one, for example, simply "asks" children to make a circle out of 2 semi-circle shapes. By card 7, they are making a hexagon with three diamond shape tiles. The number of tiles used grows as the card numbers increase; and gradually the pictures of the required shapes to complete a puzzle drop off. By card 21, children are filling more elaborate pictures, given only the outlines.
Super Mind is the next step up, and is generally better for children ages 5-9, depending on their skills. Again, this set includes 32 colored shapes. The cards in this set pick up where those in Mighty Mind left off. Starting with card number 31, children advance through increasingly more challenging puzzle-pictures. Each picture features an outline, and children are expected to fill the picture with shapes without letting the shapes "bust out" of their seams.
Both sets are fantastic skill-builders. They teach skills in spatial relations, and demonstrate, in a hands-on manner, how shapes contribute to form a larger picture. Children develop observation and categorization skills as they play, and have a lot of fun as they do!
Neither of the sets contain text-based instructions directed at children (information for parents is, however, included). What children need to do for each card is clear without the need for words.
The storage trays for the shapes take the form of a puzzle--children complete a house, man, woman, and a train in Mighty Mind, and a giraffe and tree in Super Mind as they put away the sets for another day. This is a clever and useful way to extend learning as children tidy up.
The system used in the sets is both practical and motivating--practical, because the gradual increases in challenge effectively tutor children, providing gentle challenge without ever moving too fast; and motivating, because children can "see" their progress simply by paying attention to the numbers on the cards. Children should be encouraged to attempt the puzzles in numerical order for this reason.
Mighty Mind is especially ideal for a Kindergarten classroom setting (additional tiles and puzzle card books are also available). However, we recommend both sets for play at home as well. Once children have grasped the concept behind the puzzle sets, they easily and enthusiastically progress through the sets independently. In addition, nothing stops kids from creating their own free-form designs with the shape tiles.
Practice with games such as these will go a long way towards helping children break down problems into manageable parts--an important cross-curricular skill.
