Preschoolers can improve their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities with the help of the entertaining and captivating "Columbovo Egg" game. It’s easy to put together and gives kids an opportunity to explore their creativity while having fun with the learning process.
Children play as detectives in this game, searching for a hidden object, commonly referred to as the "egg." Children are inspired to maintain focus and apply their observational skills by the thrill of the search.
Children can learn through play by playing "Columbovo Egg" in the classroom or at home. We’ll go over the game’s rules and its advantages for your preschooler in this article.
For preschoolers, the "Columbovo Egg" game is an entertaining and instructive activity that fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities. The primary objective of the game is to conceal a small object, such as an egg, from children’s sight while they search for it. The difficulty comes from the object’s frequent clever disguising or blending into its surroundings. Playing this game helps kids think creatively and enhances their observational skills, which makes it an excellent tool for early childhood development.
Description
Geometric heads are highly fashionable these days, especially when purchased for preschoolers. The Columbian egg is a highly sought-after variety. In 1893, the logical puzzle known as "Columbus’s Egg" was introduced. Friedrich Richter is the engineer who created it. He used linseed oil, gypsum, and quartz sand to produce it.
The original puzzle consisted of nine pieces, from which ninety-five figures could be assembled using all the components.
- logical thinking;
- hand motor skills;
- sensory abilities and spatial representation;
- imagination;
- independence;
- leadership qualities;
- savvy and resourcefulness;
- self-control.
Playing with these puzzles helps a child develop decision-making skills, stimulates mental activity, and—most importantly—learns how to use both hemispheres of the brain at the same time—all of which will come in very handy later in life.
In the game "Columbus’s Egg," the oval that serves as the main character is split up into a number of geometric figures. Thus, the puzzle is composed of:
- four triangles – 2 large, 2 small;
- two trapezoids, the base of which has a rounded shape;
- four figures that resemble a triangle in shape – two of these figures are small, the other two are large, one of the sides is rounded.
The manufacturer paints each piece a different color to make the puzzle engaging for the child.
Thus, if the infant is not familiar with geometric shapes yet, you can teach them to them in addition to playing with the figures.
Rules of the game
We can presume that the game’s rules are fairly basic and uncomplicated given that the "Columbus Egg" is intended for kids three years and older.
Its main goal is to teach the infant how to recognize the figures and arrange them using the puzzle pieces. But keep in mind that the child needs assistance; he cannot immediately grasp the rules or know what to do or how to do it on his own.
Here’s how you can help:
- examine the game and all its details with the child, say the name of the figures and colors;
- teach your child to look for similar elements, combine them;
- try to encourage your child to use their imagination – compare individual parts with some familiar things, for example, triangles with one side rounded are similar to bird wings;
- invite your child to put together several figures.
Your child will be enthralled with the game if you follow all the above instructions and assist them in understanding and participating.
General rules
- Choose one of the patterns (they are included). If your child is still very small, start with a simple image.
- Using absolutely all the elements, lay out a similar figure. To begin with, you can lay them out directly on the pattern, it’s easier, and when the child’s skill grows, let him lay them out next to each other.
- The elements cannot be superimposed on each other. The parts are installed end to end.
You can fold a frog, ostrich, rhinoceros, airplane, camel, dog, turtle, and many other various animals, birds, and objects out of the game pieces.
Don’t limit yourself to the options provided; use your creativity to put together original figures that you have created.
How to make?
You can create this logical constructor at home if you don’t have time to go shopping for it. You must select a pattern and get supplies and equipment ready in order to make this game on your own.
Patterns
You can print out the patterns for folding the figures and the Columbus egg from our article.
- The first most popular option. Below is a picture for downloading and printing. We used it in our master class.
- The second option.
- The complication will be the offer of a pattern without borders.
- Dense cardboard or plastic (for example, the cover of a document folder). The base – an oval – is created from this material, and accordingly, individual parts will be cut out.
- A Tool to Cut Out Elements. If you are using thick cardboard, you will need scissors, if plastic, you will also need to buy a stationery knife – it is convenient to cut with it.
As soon as the inventory is ready, you can begin assembling the puzzle. You must draw an oval on the base, which should be 15 by 12 centimeters in standard size. However, you have an additional option: all the details will be larger the larger the initial oval pattern. Subsequently, the oval must be divided into ten equal parts, each of which is shown as a geometric figure. The game is complete and ready to play.
| Game Objective | To find the hidden “Columbovo Egg” by solving clues. |
| Number of Players | 2 or more players, ideally preschoolers. |
| Materials Needed | One small object to act as the "Columbovo Egg". |
| How to Play | One child hides the egg, and the others must search for it based on clues or directions given by the hider. |
| Rules | Players take turns hiding and finding the egg. The hider can give hints like “warmer” or “colder” to help the searchers. |
| Winning | The first player to find the egg becomes the next hider. |
Preschoolers can learn how to solve problems in a fun and interesting way by playing the "Columbovo Egg" game. Children can enjoy the process of discovery and develop their creativity and critical thinking skills by following its straightforward rules.
As children collaborate to find solutions and exchange ideas, this game also promotes communication and teamwork. It’s a fantastic game that works well in a variety of contexts, making it ideal for group play.
