Color Code

Color Code - 1 person logic game

Color Code is one of my favorite activities for working on spatial orientation and problem solving. The goal is to create a 3D puzzle in the base that looks exactly like the 2D challenge picture in the book. A one-player game that increases in difficulty as you go and includes 100 puzzles to challenge.

Each puzzle tile is square, transparent, and has a colored form printed on it (not transparent). There are two tiles for each color, each has a different shape.  

Puzzles range from two pieces to six pieces and from starter to master levels. Work your way through the book and just keep getting better as you go. If the player gets frustrated, remind him that it is a trial and error type activity, meaning you may need to try several orientations before you get it right. This is not failure, it is just the nature of the puzzle. A young man I work with likes to say "not quite" when he doesn't get it right, and then tries again. I like that because it says that you are having success and are almost there.

SmartGames is a brand that makes a lot of one-person logic games that also help build visual perceptual skills over multiple challenges that increase in difficulty as you go. If you would like to read more about these kid-friendly fun games, check out my post One-Player SmartGames.

If you would like to read more about one-person logic puzzles, check out my post What's in Your Therapy Box? Logic Puzzles Edition. 

Try this:

• Use consistent positional terminology, such as left, right, top, bottom, middle.
•  Allow the individual to correct the puzzle if he completes it incorrectly. If he is not able to figure out what is wrong assist the individual with the problem solving process by prompting that the green one looks wrong or by asking "is the yellow one correct" etc. until he identifies the incorrect tile. If he is still struggling, change the piece so it is oriented correctly as the player looks on, then remove the piece, change the orientation and hand it to him to place.
• Work a puzzle as the individual looks on. Talk out loud as you problem solve during the process. Then take the puzzle apart and ask the individual to solve it.
• Ask the individual to turn each piece in-hand as he tries different orientations.
• Start by putting out only the tiles needed in the correct orientation on the table. Then only the tiles needed in incorrect orientations. Then add a few more pieces and let the individual choose the correct pieces and orientations. Lastly allow the individual to look through all the tiles to find what he needs and complete on his own.
• Remind the individual that there are only two pieces of each color if he has trouble finding the correct tiles. If necessary, put the two pieces side by side and ask him which one is correct. Most shapes of the same color are very different.
• Prompt the individual to turn and try again if he has the correct piece but fails to try it in different orientations. Sometimes people don't understand that one piece can look very different in different orientations. Sometimes I say "turn" two or three times until the person gets it correct.
• Work on spatial relations, visual discrimination, visual closure, in-hand manipulation, manual dexterity, logic, problem solving, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: plastic base, 18 tiles, booklet with 100 challenges

If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.