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Review: GridBlock

In our household, school hours often blend seamlessly into game time, and GridBlock has become a staple in our weekly (and often daily) rotation. Sourced from our latest Timberdoodle curriculum kit, this game has proven to be an addictive challenge for the whole family. The individual game pieces are exceptionally durable—a necessity when they are being handled by an enthusiastic five-year-old. While the board itself feels a bit less robust than the pieces it holds, it hasn't hindered our gameplay in the slightest. We did have a minor mishap where a piece went missing, but I was thoroughly impressed with Fat Brain Toy Co.; their customer service was fantastic, and they are sending us a replacement free of charge.


The game is designed for two to four players, and the objective is simple: be the first to place all your pieces on the grid. The catch lies in two elegant rules that force you to think several steps ahead:

  1. Every piece you place must touch another piece of the same color.

  2. No two pieces of the same shape are allowed to touch.




This creates a fascinating tactical puzzle. While our daughter is primarily focused on the fun, I can see her mental gears turning as she navigates these constraints. I occasionally have to gently remind her about the "no same shapes" rule, but for the most part, she is becoming a formidable opponent. It’s a perfect example of "stealth learning"—she’s honing her spatial reasoning and strategic planning without ever feeling like she’s performing a school task.


One of the most practical features of GridBlock is its design; all the pieces nestle securely inside the board for storage. If you’re like me and trying to minimize box clutter in your schoolroom, you could easily ditch the packaging entirely. This portability makes it an ideal candidate for homeschool meetups or playdates. In fact, watching our daughter’s strategy evolve with every match has me considering buying a few extra sets specifically for group events. Seeing her transition from random placement to intentional, strategic blocking is incredibly rewarding, as these critical thinking skills are the bedrock of future academic success.



Whether we are playing a quick round during our morning block or a "just-before-bed" match in the bedroom, GridBlock consistently delivers. It is a well-engineered, portable, and intellectually stimulating game that bridges the gap between simple play and complex logic. If you are looking for a way to sharpen your student's mind while keeping the energy high, this game is a "must-have" for your collection. It’s a rare find that appeals equally to a child’s sense of fun and a teacher’s educational goals.

Now, let's see if you can solve the mystery of our next second-grade curriculum review! Here are your clues:

  • Cartoon-themed fun for the whole family

  • An introduction to four science concepts in a really fun way

  • Entertaining stories featuring nostalgic characters




 
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