kids-toy

Children’s mosaic – a game in which pictures are created from small elements. Unlike a puzzle, in which the picture is always assembled according to the pattern, the mosaic allows the child to create according to his imagination. As a result, only one image can be assembled from puzzle fragments, and many works can be assembled from a mosaic.

Such a game develops fine motor skills, patience, perseverance, imagination in kids. In addition, the child develops artistic taste and spatial thinking. The smallest children with the help of mosaics get acquainted with the main colors and shapes.

• magnetic mosaic
• classic mosaic
• Mosaic «tetris

Kind

classical mosaic – designed for children 3-4 years old. The mosaic consists of multi-colored plastic parts on a leg (pin) and a playing field with holes into which they are inserted. The kit may include a book with pictures that will help the baby to correctly collect pictures.

Mosaic with large chips – designed for babies from 1 year to 2.5 years. The child will not be able to swallow large mosaic elements. The details of the game can be assembled both on the floor and on another flat surface according to the principle of puzzles (the presence of recesses and ledges). The set of such a mosaic may include its own field.

self-adhesive mosaic – recommended for children over 4 years old. It consists of self-adhesive plates that are attached to the stencil according to the sample. Such a mosaic can be used only once, and the child, working according to the template, will not be able to show his imagination.

Thermomosaic – Suitable for children over 5 years old. This is a classic mosaic in which the resulting image must be processed with an iron in order to glue the parts together. The picture will not crumble into separate fragments. As a result, the child will create his own work.

Magnetic mosaic – designed for kids over 3 years old. Unlike the classical one, such a mosaic does not have fasteners, and multi-colored parts are fixed with magnets. A feature of this game is the ease of movement of mosaic pieces on the surface, while the picture is firmly held.

The field for the mosaic can be special magnetic boards or other metal surfaces, such as a refrigerator.

Important: some magnetic mosaics are completed with templates that need to be filled in with details not only by color, but also by numbers. Such a game can help a child learn numbers.

Electronic mosaic – designed for schoolchildren. It consists of multi-colored LED elements that are inserted into a special panel. The result is a glowing image.

Tetris-mosaic – Designed for children over 5 years old. It consists of colored parts that are glued to the workpiece according to the principle of the Tetris game. Such a mosaic develops perseverance and patience especially well, since the elements are very small.

Mosaic “ABC” – consists of chips in the form of letters of the alphabet. The game allows you to make words and even sentences. With the help of such a mosaic, a preschooler will be able to learn letters and read words.

Number of chips

The number of elements of the mosaic depends on its complexity and cost, as well as the age category of the child. A game with a large number of parts is usually more difficult to assemble and more expensive. Therefore, for kids, they purchase sets of a small number of elements. For example, children up to 3 years recommended no more 45-60 details

The older the child, the greater the number of elements that can be present in the mosaic. Some complex games consist of 1000-2000 parts.

Minimum age

Up to a year – a mosaic with large details (6-8 cm) of a simple shape (square, circle, triangle) and painted in bright colors is suitable. It should be remembered that the colors should be bright, but not irritating to the eyes. It is better to stop at green, blue, red and yellow.

1 to 2 years – a good option would be a mosaic where you need to complement the picture – insert the missing details into the grooves or fill in the colorless pattern with chips. The size of the parts is 6 cm. You can choose sets with interchangeable templates for your child to keep the baby interested in the mosaic.

2 to 3 years – a classic mosaic is suitable, which allows the child to show his imagination. By combining the details, he can create any drawings and ornaments. The size of the parts is 1-4 cm.

4 to 6 years old – a more complex mosaic will be interesting, with a large number of multi-colored elements, for example, magnetic. This game will provide the child with almost unlimited possibilities for creativity.

Council

• Mosaic is made of plastic, wood, paper, metal. Make sure the material is safe for the baby. Each game must have a manufacturer’s certificate. Refuse to buy if the parts of the toy have a chemical smell, deformation or burrs.
• The parts must be strong, and their connection to the field must be reliable. It goes without saying that the site itself must withstand falls.
• Pay attention to the convenience of attaching the part – it should be easy to put on and take off, otherwise the baby will not like the toy.

Manufacturer

Mosaic brands should be divided not by price, but by type of models. For example, mosaics made of plastic, beads or wood will cost approximately one amount. You can look among the products of Quercetti, Djeco, Hape, IKEA, Miniland, Orb Factory and other brands. Mosaics from local manufacturers Orion, Ranok-Creative, Vladi Toys, TechnoK will be cheaper. Among the shortcomings in comparison with more expensive models, it is worth noting such an interesting design, sometimes not quite accurate execution of mosaic details (burrs, misalignment of holes and pins). At the same time, magnetic mosaics are much more expensive. For example, the brand Melissa & Doug. Choose according to your child’s preferences.