Articles on Toys | Topics: toys, toy
by Larry J. Allen
When it comes to sparking the imaginations of children little works better than building models. With so many innovative building sets and models on the market, it should be a snap to find one that will interest any child at any age.
Erector Sets
Erector sets made by Erector are among the many great building sets available to you and your child. These sets first hit the market; they were comprised mainly of small metal beams with holes meant for inserting the supplied bolts, screws, nuts, and other connectors. These supplies could be assembled into gears and pulleys and other fun toys.
Today, erector sets come in an even wider variety of options. Included in these options are model trains, experimentation kits, chemistry sets and microscopes. Other sets come filled with gadgets and gizmos to build all sorts of things. One set, the Erector 30 Model Set 352 Piece Set, for example, is capable of building 30 different models. These models include a motorcycle, an ATV, a climber, and a crazy machine.
Coolblox
Coolblox by Coolblox is a great building toy for kids of all ages. This contains soft colorful interlocking blocks. These blocks are easy to piece together and can be used to make a variety of interesting shapes or designs. There are pictures and instructions included for the child who needs a jump-start in possible creations. But, the potential designs are truly limitless!
To make Coolblox even better, the soft blocks will not hurt the little ones if they topple over or if one child throws a block at the other. Kids can bring their imagination alive with Coolblox.
Gears! Gears! Gears!
| Bit of History |
Only when human sorrows are turned into a toy with glaring colors will baby people become interested—for a while at least. The people are a very fickle baby that must have new toys every day.
| —Emma Goldman (1869–1940) |
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"Gears! Gears! Gears!" which is made by Learning Resources allows your child to create loads of three-dimensional fun. It includes a variety of plastic gears, interlocking bases, and connectors that can be configured in any way your child desires. In addition, the blocks are packaged in a giant storage tub making them easy to store away when your child is done playing. An activity guide is also included for the child who may need a little guidance.
The Gears! Gears! Gears! Super Set is the basic set, but Learning Resources also offers many different add-ons to keep the fun rolling. The Under the Sea adventure set, for example, includes components that move in different ways than those found in the Super Set. With so many different gears and gadgets, your child will have a great deal of fun while learning more about mechanics and how things work. Yet, it is great for even preschool aged children.
K'NEX
K'NEX are an innovative toy that were invented after the founder, who was bored at a wedding reception, used a bunch of straws to build interesting models. From there, the phenomenon has snowballed! The K'NEX 425 piece Super Value Tub includes 425 pieces of connectors and other fun pieces, making it possible to build countless different models. The tub also includes a booklet containing different model ideas. These models are divided into three different skill levels, making it possible for your little builder to choose the level that is right for him or her.
Several add-ons are also available with K'NEX, as well as sets for building specific models. For example, there is a racing set, a safari set, and a flying set. There are also other large sets, such as the K'NEX 50 Model Building set, which, as the name implies, contains plans for 50 different models. Models range from creatures, to rides to other moving machines. The rods and connectors are even color-coded to make it easier to create the designs. Batteries power some motors in K'NEX sets, while others are powered without batteries or electricity. Of course, your child can also go crazy coming up with her own unique creations. When done playing, the K'NEX can be placed in their convenient plastic box that comes complete with a handle.
In addition to being a great deal of fun, models help your child learn more about the scientific world around them. In addition, they teach hand-eye coordination as your child works to put pieces together in specific ways. Models also teach your child to think critically and to plan ahead, as well as to read and follow instructions.
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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Building Models – Kids Toys that Spark the Imagination" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by ToysGiftsPresents.com. |
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