MAIN Toy Reviews Fractiles 7

FRACTILES-7

Made in the U.S.A., winner of a Parents' Choice Silver Honors award.

Fractiles, Inc. is a Colorado Corporation formed in 1998. Retails from $8.95 to $36.00, Ages 6+

Using angles based on the number 7 these bright, yellow, red, and blue flexible, magnetic tiles invite you into the world of symmetry and geometry where anyone can spend tireless hours discovering new levels of play and design.

Fractiles-7 comes in three different size sets, aimed for different uses.

• The travel version features 96 magnetic tiles, 8 inch x 8 inch steel activity board. Cost is anywhere from $16.50 to $20.00.
• The fridge version is much more than the usual refrigerator magnet fun. This set includes 48 magnetic tiles, color illustrated cardboard CD style package to store tiles. The steel activity board does NOT come with this version. This set is geared for use on the refrigerator, a file cabinet, a magnetic board. Price runs from $8.95 to $11.00.
• The large set has 192 tiles, a 12 inch x 12 inches specially textured, black, steel activity board, and a large enough package to store board and tiles. This is a great set for the determined, burgeoning designer in you. $31.00 to $36.00.

This inventive tile play is not limited to the younger set. They are great fun for everyone — just let your imagination be your guide.

There are instructions and ideas for several designs, puzzles, and games provided but we found the most fun was just going with the flow. You can use these versatile, little diamond-shaped tiles to create endless arrangements of inventive and eye-catching designs, ranging from very simple to magnificently complicated.

This magnetic learning toy will capture your attention and expand your learning potential. Playing with Fractiles-7 can help improve fine motor skills. It also can facilitate stronger pattern recognition skills which are crucial to learning and brain development. Pattern recognition is important in assessment and decision making, development of word recognition skills, deductive skills, and thinking ahead. You will be having fun, de-stressing and may not even notice how regular play increases your grey matter.

You are encouraging learning and triggering the brain through the simple art of creating starbursts, spirals, butterflies, illusions of 3D space and an endless array of brilliant patterns.

The package says ages 6+, but preschoolers do enjoy using them. Because of the small size of the tiles I strongly recommend constant adult interaction while being used by little ones. I find Fractiles-7 to be a fun and relaxing mental work-out for all ages, from young children to seniors.

About the Author: Mary Rose is a Mommy, a writer and an early childhood educator who believes in learning through play and the value of good toys.