This post is sponsored by Fisher-Price. All thoughts are my own.
We love toys that encourage critical thinking and creative play. Last month I shared how the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar™ has become our four-year-old son’s new friend, helping him learn important skills through play.
The developmental toys in the Think & Learn line spark your kids’ natural curiosity and become companions that play in many different ways. While kids play, they’re building more than preschool learning—they’re laying the foundation to grow into big thinkers.
If you missed my earlier post, it goes into more detail about the features of this educational toy and how it supports preschool learning.
We’ve been trying different ways to play with the Code-a-pillar and teaching Wesley valuable problem-solving skills as we go.
Crack the Code
Designed for ages 3 to 6, the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar is made of eight interlocking segments that determine the toy’s actions. You can get creative: set up obstacles or map out a path and challenge your child to “Crack the Code.”
We started with a few simple obstacles, then let Wesley take the lead. He decided it would be more fun if the caterpillar could knock something down as it moved.
We chose dominoes and small dice because they don’t block the Code-a-pillar’s movement and are easy for the toy to topple without getting stuck.
As long as the segments are arranged correctly, the Code-a-pillar navigates obstacles with ease. Wesley experimented a few times to find the right sequence, and he never became frustrated—half the fun is testing different combinations until it works.
To make learning manageable, start with fewer segments and short distances. As confidence grows, add more pieces and longer routes with additional obstacles. This gradual approach helped Wesley stay engaged and successful.
We also made a short video so you can see the Code-a-pillar in action and watch how Wesley likes to crack the code.
Wesley loves cracking the code. We’re excited to try the expansion packs, which add funny sounds, quirky behaviors and extra directions—like 180-degree turns in addition to the original 90-degree turns.
BUY IT:
The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar is widely available at major retailers nationwide. It’s a playful, educational toy that promotes sequencing, cause-and-effect thinking and hands-on problem solving—perfect for preschoolers who enjoy exploration and discovery.
