Patchwork Puzzles (Junior Edition)

THIS APP IS FREE FOR DOWNLOAD FROM APPLE APP STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY STORE. THE PRICING ($0.01) IS ARTIFICIAL FOR WEBSITE DISPLAY PURPOSES.
 
Patchwork Puzzles is a fun pattern recognition game designed for Pre-K through First Grade (ages 4-7) children. It helps your child build the academic skills critical for school success based on National Early Learning Standards. It improves knowledge of colors, shapes, numbers, letters of the alphabet and basic logic skills like ordering and sorting.  The game can enhance development of dexterity for use of keyboard, touch screen, etc.
 
The game opens with a Crazy Quilt filled in with patches depicting a particular theme (see THEMES). Below the quilt is a partially filled-in [3x3] "Patchwork". The object of the game is to search the Crazy Quilt for the Patchwork's pattern, then use the quilt to determine which patches are missing from the Patchwork.  Puzzle vary in difficulty depending on the Skill Level. Beginner level uses the [6x6] quilt; Intermediate uses a [8x8] quilt and the Advanced uses a [10x10]. The size of the [3x3] Patchwork remains unchanged. 
 
There are eight patchwork puzzles in a round. As each puzzle is solved, a star is filled in to indicate the puzzle's completion. When all eight puzzles are solved, the round is complete and a new round starts. Completing a round at the Beginner Level unlocks the Intermediate Level. Completing a round at the Intermediate Level unlocks the Advanced Level. An unlocked level can be selected at any time. New levels are saved once they are achieved. There is no need to reacquire them when the game is played again.
 
PATTERN RECOGNITION
This is the real strength of the game and is reinforced throughout. Since each Patchwork is a [3x3] section copied from the Crazy Quilt, the child is sure to find the matching Patchwork pattern. Then, using the quilt as a roadmap, the child transfers patches to the Patchwork to complete the puzzle. Patches are transferred by clicking a patch on the Crazy Quilt and then clicking a square on the Patchwork Workspace. If the wrong patch is chosen, the player is advised to try again, and no transfer occurs.
 
The game is designed to be played on an iPad or mini iPad, but can be downloaded to a phone (the larger the better). The menu presentations are different on the iPad and the iPhone, but all menu options listed below are present and have identical functions.