Monkey Mixup

Monkey Mixup - A unique tile puzzle with 10 puzzles in the pattern booklet.

I consider Monkey Mixup a good investment as there are 10 different puzzles in the pattern book, the tiles are easy to manipulate and kids like the whimsical monkeys.

The 20 puzzle pieces are sturdy plastic and printed on both sides with brightly colored images. Each piece is printed with a different image, front and back, and you will need to look at both sides to search out the images you need. 

Also included is a green tray to build the puzzles on. It is elevated, gradually getting higher in the back. The tray has four rows and each row holds five pieces. The pieces can be slid back and forth on each row, but there is a lip at the bottom of each row to keep the pieces from slipping down. Each puzzle will use all 20 tiles.

There are 10 patterns in the pattern booklet. There is a grid printed over each picture that divides it into 20 equal size pieces so you can see what you will be looking for on each piece.    

 
Try this:

• Work on visual discrimination, visual memory, visual closure, figure ground, spatial relations, in-hand manipulation, manual dexterity, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
• Complete the puzzle by row or column
• Point to a random square on the picture and ask the individual to find that piece and place it on the grid in that location.
• Hand the individual a piece in the wrong orientation and ask him to orient it correctly for placement. Or make sure many of the pieces are in the wrong orientation on the table top before starting.
• Put the puzzle together in advance and make sure all the correct sides are showing for an easier puzzle (no flipping to look at pictures on back). Make sure all the pieces are also in the correct orientation if need be.
• Give the pieces for only one row or column at a time for beginners.
• Clue the individual to look for a piece with a small white flower, or a monkey smiling with no teeth showing, etc. Teach them to look for an identifying feature for pieces that may look similar. For instance, there are a lot of pieces with monkey faces.
• Allow the individual to make his own picture.
• Use a piece of paper to cover all but one square if the individual cannot isolate a single picture from the whole. I used tracing paper so the picture can still show through.
• Turn the pieces in-hand to the correct orientation before placement. 
• Start with the bottom row and cue the individual to look for pieces with grass. Those are the easiest to find and you will start with a feeling of confidence. Once that row is done the puzzle is 1/4 completed and there are five fewer pieces to look over for the rest.

Cover all but one tile at a time in the pattern book to isolate each tile and reduce background interference.

In the box: 20 two-sided colorful plastic tiles, a graduated tray, a pattern book with 10 different puzzles

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