Heads and Tails, Orchard Toys – Review

Last Updated on 11 May 2023 by Colette

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As you know we are big fans of Orchard Toys but as yet the games have mainly been enjoyed by the older two.  Amy has had a go at a couple of the 2 piece jigsaws but the actual games have been beyond her up till now.

Farmyard Heads and Tails can be played in two ways – the most basic being that all the cards are spread out face up and players take turns to find a matching pair before making the noise of the animal they have created.  To make the game more challenging the cards can of course be placed face down to be played in a “matching pairs” memory style game.

As we were keen to involve Amy in the game we went for “face up” and encouraged her to find pictures which matched.  With this being the first game that we had played with Amy at the table the biggest focus was actually on encouraging her to take turns rather than to just grab all the cards.  We’ve definitely got some work to do there!  You might be able to see in the photograph below that, along with her little concentrating tongue, she hasn’t quite grasped the idea of making complete pictures – perhaps I need to spend more time doing the two piece jigsaws with her whilst the big two are at school!  What she did enjoy though was the animal noises – all three children thought that side of the game was hilarious.

What we love about it: 
* This is a great first game for teaching toddlers how to play games – about rules and taking turns
* The pieces are large and easy to handle
* The pieces are sturdy and made to withstand hours of play and can be wiped clean
* The pictures are bright and bold
* The game develops observational skills
* Memory and matching skills are developed – particularly if you play with the cards upside down
* Being able to play the game at two levels depending on the age and ability of your players is a bonus
* There’s lots of opportunity for conversation around the different animals and the noises they make

What we’re not so keen on: 
* Nothing, this a great introduction to Orchard Toys games for your toddler.

Why not read some of our other Orchard Toys reviews:

Times Tables Heros | First Times Tables | Shopping List | Once Upon a Time Dominoes | Penguin Clock Face | Cake Monster | Who’s in Space? | Ladybirds