I think one of my first memories must be the smell of sawdust! My Dad built houses—and anything else—and often my sister and I would be called out to help measure and/or hold lumber as it went through the saw.
You’d have thought when I started my job post UW at Bethlehem Steel (the 1st engineer at the mill) my boss might have asked me what drew me to engineering, but no, MOST of the time, he would steer the work-related conversation that’d be going on prior to me coming into his office towards his kids and/or family-oriented topics …?!!! To say it was frustrating is an understatement.
One of the family-related threads revolved around my parents. When my boss found out my Dad built houses I found myself faced with a pop quiz. “What do you call the beams in roofs and beams in floors?” I calmly replied: “Rafters and joists”…it was a no-brainer for me, I’d been on a construction site more than a few times and I know my way about (most) tools.
Does your kiddo enjoy building and tools too?
READ: My Little Read Toolbox by Stephen T Johnson. This is a fantastic book—it talks about shapes and numbers plus has thick, cardboard tools that come out for your kidlet to use! Besides having removable and usable parts, some of the parts make noise—it’s a multi-sensory experience!
You can make the tools 3-dimensional with the Toolbox Trolley Set made by Janod and available through Magic Cabin. Your little carpenter-in-training will have all the tools of the trade close at hand with this wooden pushcart. A magnetic front panel holds the hammer, screwdriver and wrench, while various building supplies (wood, nuts, bolts, washers and kid-safe nails) can be kept on top for easy access during playtime, or in the bottom for storage.
Your kidlet can:
●Build! The tools and materials are inherently interactive
●Pretend PLAY! Using their creativity and developing their imagination
Playing with Toolbox Trolley will also develop their:
●Eye-hand coordination
●Motor Skills
●Problem-solving skills
Manufacturer says the Toolbox Trolley is for ages 18 months and up*
Size
12-3/4″ x 12-3/4″ x 17″
*I’m afraid the Toolbox Trolley would need some buttressing before I could give it an PLAY ON stamp of approval. Though there are many solid, foundational reasons why it could be an excellent toy, the main problem as I see it, is the manufacturer assigning a toddler age as being an appropriate age for play with this toy. It’s not. Most toddlers are still too unsteady on their feet to attempt to push the trolley without risk of the trolley tipping/upending and causing potential injury. With this caution though, I think a young preschooler wouldn’t have trouble handling it.
PROS:
•Open-ended toy
•Addresses multiple developmental areas
•Kid-safe materials
•Magnets safely embedded in the wood
CONS:
•The instructions for assembly could be better and more thorough…you can figure it out, but it takes some additional time
•Putting the wheels on were challenging—I assembled mine solo…having a 2nd pair of hands could help
•Unstable
•Price—it’s an expensive toy; that’s why if you don’t want to purchase AND you live in the Greater Seattle area you can RENT IT!
I’ve always felt a huge sense of accomplishment whenever I’ve created something using my hands…I’m sure it traces all the way back to the days of helping my Dad. If you do try the Toolbox Trolley let me know how your lil builder does!
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen