Poppin' Puzzlers

Poppin' Puzzlers - Get all your pieces in before the timer goes off and they go flying.

Poppin' Puzzlers' is smaller than Perfection (similar game by another manufacturer) while still allowing you to compete with another player. The goal of Poppin' Puzzlers is to place all of your pieces into the game base before the timer goes off and the bases pop up and throw all the pieces.

The two greens circles in the image below are for the timer. One turns and starts the timer, and pressing the other one will stop the timer. The timer runs for about 50 seconds and you do need to move fast to get all your pieces placed in that time. You can push the button to stop the timer and then push it again to restart the timer. The timer is noisy and there is no way to turn off the noise and still use the timer. Some people do well under time pressure, some don't.

The pieces are quite small, and each has a stem on the top (see top images) large enough to use to pick up the piece. Each person will be fitting in the same identical 20 pieces, on his own side and in his own color. The first player to put all of his pieces in and push the button to stop the timer is the winner. 

  

Try this:

• Set all pieces upright next to the game board before the game starts so that the individual will pick them up using the stems on top.
• Put all pieces in a jumbled pile and instruct the individual to use only one hand to pick up each piece and orient it in-hand for placement.
• Urge the individual to turn the piece and try again if he tried a piece in the correct spot but in the incorrect orientation, and starts to set it down. Show him how one piece can look and fit differently based on how you turn it.
• Push the button to turn the timer off if you see the other person isn't going to finish in time. Then turn the timer back on when they get close to finishing.
• Use a sand timer or other noiseless timer if you are working for speed but the timer in the base is too loud or jarring for the individual.
• Model how to twirl the piece using just the stem to reposition it.
• Play alone, sorting the pieces by color as you go.
• Play a cooperate game. Each player tries to fill his side before the timer goes off and if one player finishes early they can help the other player.
• Forget about the timer. Two people play side by side and see who can get done first.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual form constancy, figure ground, manual dexterity, grasp, fine motor precision, in-hand manipulation, eye-hand coordination, process skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
• Put two or three pieces in the individual's palm and ask him to bring them to the fingertips, one at a time, and orient for placement.

In the box: Game board with storage area for 40 small pieces.

Ages 5+, 2 players

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