Magformers My First Set Review

As teachers, my husband and I understand the importance of learning about shapes. We are always on the look out for ways to enhance Adams mathematical development. We were therefore excited to test out Magformers My First Set. This is an “intelligent magnetic construction set for brain development”.

The Magformer set is nothing like we have played with before. Each piece is magnetic and you can link them together to create different shapes. Children are encouraged to assemble flat 2D planars, known as “nets” to transform them into 3D shapes. I must admit I struggle with turning nets into 3D shapes but Adam and Daddy are amazing at this mathematical understanding.

By combining and connecting the magnetic pieces, Magformer sets help children develop comprehensive three-dimensional thinking through play. They help develop curiosity, creativity and imagination. The sets also help to improve fine motor skills, develop mathematical and scientific thinking and problem solving. Within a few weeks of playing with the set Adam is able to identify, compare, sort and make different 3D shapes and 3D nets including cubes, cuboids, pyramids and prisms.

We first fell in love with Magformers when watching their video demonstration:

I must say that the video makes it look incredibly easy to make the shapes. Through lots of practise Adam is able to make the shapes but for us it isn’t a case of simply flicking the net into place – yet! Having said that, Adam prefers to play and explore with the pieces.

Our Magformers My First Set included 54 magnetic pieces: 12 triangles, 24 squares, 6 diamonds, 6 trapezoids and 6 rectangles. The different magnetic shapes are easy for little hands to use. The pieces connect instantly the moment they touch. The pieces are certainly durable and are built to last.

The pack comes with a colour matching playbook as well as playboards of a train, Eiffel Tower (which Adam is convinced is a rocket), buildings, trees and caterpillars. The pack also comes with Magformer Model Cards. Although these do not tell you how to make the nets for the objects, we have found further help using the Magformers website. Adam and Daddy have loved creating a gift box, candy, parrot and car.