bambinoLUKBrain Training Early Bloomer Collection Set 1

We purchased the Early Bloomer Collection to go along with the BambinoLuk starter set purchased at the same time.When I originally purchased the starter set and this "collection" I hadn't heard of the Luk learning system and I was skeptical. However, after reading all the reviews I was also curious and after much deliberation I decided to give the BambinoLuk a whirl.It only took 3 play sessions before the BambinoLuk astounded me. More importantly my grandson was also impressed by his new "luk" and was eager to play with it several times per day. He finished the 1st collection of puzzle book fairly quickly and 6mo later he is nearly ready for the 3rd collection.Not quite convinced, neither was I... But I urge you to give the BambinoLuk a whirl. If you want details on each of the booklets I have included some highlights below. You can also check out the online version of the BambinoLuk on beyond123.net's website.----------------Summary:There are 4 booklet included in the 1st "Early Bloomer Collection" and I would classify this set as a level 1 collection. I have noticed that both difficultly and topic depth get gradually more difficult in the subsequent 2nd and 3rd collections.This 1st collection appears to be geared more for the younger 3 year-old range. However, since all children develop differently, I would say the age range for this set to be anywhere from 18mo to 5 years.Additionally, this initial collection could be effectively used in a remedial learning environment with older children. The tile system, or what is referred to as the "controller", used to solve each challenge would make a valuable learning tool for children with verbal/non verbal learning differences.----------------Booklet Details:-All booklets in the "Early Bloomer Collection 1" contain 11 different puzzles and some additional bonus activities.-The puzzles start off are fairly simple, allowing children to feel successful and understand the fundamentals of a concept before progressing to a more difficult challenge or branching the child to a related skill area-Starting to Count addresses early math skills (1-10) such as identifying like similar qualities, finding the missing number in a series, and matching numerals with quantity.-See and Sort focuses on sorting and organizing skills. The goal of the 1st three puzzles is to find exact matches (i.e. ball to ball, red face to red face, and cat to cat) before branching out into more difficult challenges. These include a slight change in orientation between "matching" pictures (example: in one view a picture of a boy swinging to left is shown with the matching picture showing nearly the exact same picture of the boy swinging only this time he is swinging to the right. Other puzzles include: Matching silhouette and to detailed picture, putting heads and tails together (fish head to fish tail), and, my personal favorite, matching sunglasses to a picture of a person wearing the sunglasses.These tasks might seem trivial for adults, however, I have found many young children struggle to grasp these abstract concepts and learn best when provided with some hand-on practice. "See and Sort" does an excellent job in presenting this concept in a manner which young children find especially engaging. I am impressed by the amount of detail that has most certainly gone into the creation of this booklet.-"Zoo Animals" is more of a topic specific book and offers a great springboard to build a child's general knowledge and vocabulary. Most of the challenges in this title focus on finding the matching picture using the newly crafted visual discrimination and critical thinking skills learned in other titles such as: "See and Sort" and "Starting to Count." Additionally, "Zoo Animals" has several challenges that focus on sequencing events -another particularly tricky concept for young children.- "What Belongs Together" is my grandson favorite title in this collection. The exercises focus more towards developing a young child's early logic skills and the puzzles are slightly more difficult. Some of difficulty is because the correlation between the control picture and its correct match is more abstract. Additionally, some children may not have the general background knowledge needed to correctly identify a "match." In one exercise, children must choose between the control picture and a matching picture that has more detail (example: picture of 2 children carrying ice skates, matches with a picture of 2 children ice skating) or tasked with matching to a picture of a related object (example: picture of a sweater matches to a picture of a man sheering a sheep).-The exercises found in "Concentration" are similar to those in the "See and Sort" booklet. However, other than puzzles 6 and 11 (which require direct one-to one matching), the majority of the exercises found in "Concentration" are initially more challenging.I suggest children start with the exercises found in the "See and Sort" booklet before moving on to the "Concentration" booklet. By working through the exercises found in this title, children are equipped with the next level of conceptual building blocks.----------------Final but important notes:-The "controller" used to complete the puzzles is not included in this set and must be purchased separately.-All booklets included in this set and the other Early Bloomer Collections and a controller are included in the BambinoLuk Complete package.-Young children may find it helpful to start with the SpecialLuk Primary Collection, which contains exercises targeted for children 2 years and older.Related Products and Reviews  Beyond123 BambinoLUK Early Learning Complete Set

I am a former educator, and now a grandparent babysitting 2 small kids under 4. 20 years ago we purchased the think it through Discovery Toys, and I was looking for more of that series. I ran into this Bambino product from Germany, and found it to be VASTLY superior to those orginial products.The tile box is huge, and just perfect for little people. It is well made, and the kids just love using the large easy to understand symbols for setting the game. The matching books line up the tile plastic track simply and easily. Kids can do this without supervision, once they understand the concept.I leave this "game" on the table, page at a time, and our little "students" come back to it throughout the day, trying another page that I turn the next page. (teachers don't like skipping, but kids can skip to anything they find of interst in the book.(s) The 3 year old can see the matching pattern for the answer, and completely gets how it is correct or incorrect.It is simply a puzzle game, with fantastic critical and mathematical thinking skills,and problem solving! They are very curious about what is on the next page! It is immediately rewarding and fosters feelings of success.I give this company, and this entire series and Outstanding mark. I liked it so much, I bought the entire set, plus even the next level for school age first grade and up. That whole set too, mind you. Once in a great while there is a fine product out there, with no bells and whistles. Just quiet thinking.I love that about this "toy"!

My 28 month old son received the bambinoluk starter set for his second birthday and has been working with it daily to the point that he has the starter book memorized. This is a great set of books to keep him challenged. Each book progresses from easy to more challenging activities. The books range from simple matching activities up to number identification and counting. The books are also very durable. I plan to buy Set 2 as soon as he gets through this set.Be aware - these book MUST be used with the bambinoluk controller which is NOT included in this set. Also, this activity requires an adult to work with the child since the controller shifts very easily off the books and must be held in place (see my review of the bambinoluk starter set for more info)The recommended age for this product is 3-5 but I would recommend it for 2-4. My older son was using the minluk at 4 years and would not have been challenged by this at all.Overall, a very fun and educational activity for a 2 year old!

My 2 1/2 yo son loves this! He will bring it to me for us to play and that is what makes a great toy in my opinion. I love that he is actually learning something and there are no electronic sounds are flashing lights involved. At his age it does require that I participate with him, but that is a plus to me as I like to be involved in his play. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to educate their child while playing!

Controller is missing. Books are useless without it. Will return it.

My 3 year old loved the start-up pack so I was anxious to get her going on set 1. She really likes it but isn't using it as much as I expected so I am going to hold off on sets 2 and 3 for now.

My 2.5 year old took right to this. Easy to use and understand and portable.

awesome tool for kids! mine love it!