Smartmax My First Totem

SmartMax My First Totem - 7 magnetic pieces, 24 patterns

My First Totem is the first toy I've ever owned by Smartmax. The packaging reminds me of Foxmind products, but they don't appear to be related. Do you think my "first" totem means there will be a second?

There is one base and seven magnetic pieces in the box. The pieces stick (magnetic) to each other and to the base, although you don't see any magnets. You can pick up the base with several pieces and turn it upside-down and the pieces won't fall off. The pieces also have something inside them that makes them rattle a little if you shake them. The green block is about 1 5/8" square.

There are 12 pattern cards and 24 patterns altogether, one per side. The pattern cards are numbered and increase in difficulty as you go. The cards start with one piece and the base and they gradually add one more piece at a time. There are opportunities to orient pieces as some are placed upside-down or sideways.

Try this:

• Play with the pieces before you start. Show how pieces stick to each another because of the magnet.
• Look over the cards before you start to play. Point out how the same piece can look different on different cards.
• Solve in order to increase the difficulty gradually.
• Use a plain piece of paper and cover everything above the one piece you are adding. Then move it up to reveal the next piece.
• Use the word "stack" if the individual wants to build from the top down.
• Look at a pattern card and memorize the sequence. Rehearse it several times verbally to help you remember. Cover the card and stack the pieces. Check the card to see if you are correct.
• Start by presenting the pieces needed, one at a time, in the order needed to build. Then present two pieces so the individual will need to choose the correct piece, then three, etc.
• Place the pieces in different orientations (upside-down, sideways, etc.) on the table before starting. After picking up each piece, the individual will have the opportunity to manually orient it before placement.

In the box: 7 pieces, 1 base, 12 pattern cards (24 patterns)
 

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