T-Rex Rocks

T-Rex Rocks

 

For all you junior paleontologists out there, T-Rex Rocks certainly falls into the category of one-of-a-kind games. You goal is to place the bones, one at a time, on the frame. But be careful! If you wake him and he shakes, the bones will go flying and you will lose the game.

This is a battery operated toy that takes 3 AA batteries, not included. Each time you bring the game out there will be a 5 step assembly process. Four steps to assemble the frame of the T-Rex, and the fifth step is to stand him on the red base. All dinosaur pieces are made from a slightly pliable, white, lightweight plastic.

 

Also included are 20 white dinosaur bones that will be hung on the dinosaur frame once the game starts. The bones come in five sizes: Large, medium, small, double connected and triple connected. 

To determine which bone you will be hanging, there is a colorful spinner with five spaces, one space for each of the five different bone shapes/sizes. Below is an image of kids playing the game.

 

During play the dinosaur will suddenly come to life, swiveling back and forth and throwing bones within 2-3 feet in every direction. It does make a racket when it goes off and you will need to switch the base off manually to stop it (white switch in corner of base, image above).

To determine the winner, play until the dinosaur shakes and whoever placed the last bone is out. Reset the dinosaur and go again. Keep playing in this manner until there is only one person left, the winner.

Object:

Be the only person who does not set off the dinosaur.

Set up:

Insert the batteries into the red base. Assemble the frame and stand it on the base. Place the spinner and the pile of bones nearby. Turn the base on.

Play:

Players take turns. Spin the spinner and add the piece that the spinner points to anywhere along the dinosaur's backbone. If the pile of bones is already out of that piece, remove one of them from the dinosaur and place it back in the draw pile. Play until someone sets him shaking and loses the game. Turn the base off, reset the empty dinosaur frame, and start over with the remaining players. Play until there is only one person left, the winner. Turn the game off and remove the batteries at the end of play.

Try this:

• Leave the game turned off and play until the individual gets used to hanging the bones. Then turn the base on to play a game.
• Place the bones on the frame yourself until the dinosaur shakes to show the individual what to expect when the action starts.
• Hold the spinner in the non-dominant hand and flick the arrow with the dominant hand. Then reverse hands.
  
• Practice flicking the arrow with each finger. Before flicking, make sure there is a nice O with fingertip meeting the thumb.
• Separate the bones into different piles by shape/size before the game begins.
• Store the bones in plastic bags before putting them away. Then if the lid accidentally pops open you will not lose any of the pieces. Use a Ziplock type bag so you can practice sealing them. Hold the bag with both thumbs in the middle. Feel the snap as you squeeze and then more both hands to opposite sides of the bag as you seal it.
  
• Avoid the downtime of waiting while several games are played. Play one game and the person who sets it into motion loses. Or don't declare a winner or loser, just play for fun.
• Let the player assemble the T-Rex before each game, following the 5-step instruction sheet.
  
• Work on visual discrimination, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, graded release, finger opposition, executive functioning skills, process skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation.  
  

In the box: Base, 4-pieces dinosaur frame, 20 addition bones to hand

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