Like me at the same age, IJ is not a huge fan of maths. So I was unsure what she would think of the Magic Cauldron Game – an educational game designed to make addition and subtraction fun.
The idea is to fill the cauldrons with weird and wacky ingredients as you solve sums. Players each have to solve ten sums in total, and for every correct answer they add an extra ingredient to their cauldron. To do this each player takes a spell ingredient card, looks at the number on the reverse, and then chooses a sum card they think will give that answer. Rubbing the heat sensitive ghost patches on the back of the card reveals if they are right.
Despite my reservations about the maths element of the game, IJ really enjoyed it. The sums were difficult enough to challenge her (the most difficult were sums such as 5+3+2 and 7 x 2) and there were enough sums cards to keep her interested and ensure each game was different.
Just like the One Banana, Two Banana game from Orchard Toys that we reviewed previously, the cards are colourful the quality excellent. They are durable and likely to last. The game’s instructions were easy to follow.
We found that the Magic Cauldron Game did make maths fun and it certainly helped my seven year old with her basic maths. It is best played between children of similar maths ability. The game did not work so well when played with an adult who obviously has an unfair advantage when it comes to maths skills.
The Magic Cauldron Game is available from Orchard Toys priced £11.50. It is for 2-4 players, aged 5-8 years. We received the game free of charge to review.
I've come over looking for review tips!
I like the fact that this is a proper 'game' rather than another electronic toy - I'm pushing for them to make a comeback but think everyone under 25 may be against me...My daughter would love this (just maybe not as much as her LPS!)
Posted by: Kate Takes 5 | April 05, 2011 at 08:41 PM
That's made me smile. You don't need review tips from me Kate. Your LPS vlog review is brilliant!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | April 05, 2011 at 08:46 PM
I love Orchard Toys! We've got this game in our game cupboard, Wee Z got it from his Bella for Xmas last year. He's still a bit young for it I think. Their game What a performance is fab! We've played it with the adults and a few drinks LOL
Posted by: LauraCYFMT | April 05, 2011 at 09:37 PM