Tangoes Jr.

Tangoes Jr.

Tangoes Jr is a multi-award winning puzzle activity. Large cards, thick pieces, and simple objects makes this a great game for beginners.

Tangoes are puzzles that use geometric shaped pieces to create different objects. For example, the puzzle on the box front above shows a skipping man. Those same seven pieces can be used to make a variety of objects. The ones included in the game are leaping woman, camel, sitting man, man in cap, rabbit, house, cat, sailboat, swan, and lamp. Each puzzle will take all 7 pieces. There is also a blank card that you can use as a background to make your own puzzles or designs.

All the pieces and pattern cards for this activity fit neatly and securely in a plastic carrying case with a handle. There is a drawer on the right hand side that slides open and holds the seven pieces (see picture above). It closes completely and I've never had it fall open on me. Flip up the lid (on hinges) and you will find the 12 cards stored inside. The front of the case and the pieces are magnetic. Choose the pattern card you want to make, close the lid, place the card on top of the lid, and place the pieces on top of that. The pieces stick and will not slide around. 

Left: Front of challenge card showing lines for pieces.  Right: Back of card showing no lines.

Each puzzle card has 2 levels: Level 1 (front) shows outlines for each piece and where it goes and Level 2 (back) shows the object all in blue with no lines to tell where pieces go. Create the puzzle on level one and then flip the card over and see if the individual can remember and create the picture without the lines as guides. You can also buy a separate Tangoes Jr. People Puzzle Pack. It includes just the cards and they are all different than the cards you will get with this set. I really like this product and have used it a lot with beginners.

If you are interested in more of this type of activity, check out my post on What's in Your Therapy Box? Pattern Blocks Edition.

Try this:

• Complete level 1 and then 2 for a puzzle card. Next place the puzzle card next to or prop in front of the case, put the blank card on top of the case, and ask the individual to complete the puzzle.
• Work a puzzle on level 2 (no lines) as the individual watches. Talk out loud as you work the puzzle so the individual can learn the problem solving process. Then take the puzzle apart and ask him to complete it.
• Place the first piece on a level 2 puzzle. Often that will be enough to get the person started.
• Orient a puzzle piece and place it on the card if an individual cannot orient the piece correctly. Then, pick it up and hand it to the individual to orient. The individual may not be able to "see" the shape as it would look in a different orientation and a visual demonstration like that can help a great deal.
• Finish level 1 (puzzle with lines) and then go right to level 2 (puzzle without lines) as the individual is learning. 
• Work on level 2 at a different time, not right after level 1. This will take more problem-solving skills with less chance of just remembering where a piece goes.
• Use consistent language, like flip and turn, as you work.
• Turn the pieces on the tabletop before starting the puzzle so that they are in different orientations than the individual will need to solve the puzzle.
• Work on manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, spatial relations, visualization, visual closure, visual form constancy, visual memory, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 1 carrying case, 7 plastic pieces, 12 2-sided puzzle cards
Ages 4+
 
If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.