I received this set from Guidecraft in exchange for my honest review/opinions. They were also very generous and sent a second set for me to give away to one of my readers! Read my review and ENTER below!!
First, I'll start you off with the product details from Guidecrafts site so you know what they are! You can find out what my thoughts were on this Better Builders set just below that!
What's Better Builders?
With super strong magnetic force, unique rod and ball configurations and myriad design possibilities, Better Builders are a wonderfully inventive way to help children discover principles of science, construction, and engineering while developing their creativity skills. Includes handy storage bin and deluxe 13-page Activity Guide which explores magnet science and provides sample building models for all ages. Magnets are safely and securely embedded in the over-sized rods. Metal balls ensure a quick and strong connection. Tested to ages 18 months plus. An Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award Winner. For ages 2+.
I love to incorporate STEM learning into my daughters playtime. She is having fun learning but does not even realize it. WIN WIN! Who doesn't love a toy that is fun and educational at the same time?!
Building with toys encourages creativity and imagination. I love to see what my daughter comes up with and constructs on her own. Does she get frustrated? Sure, she does. But that does not mean it is not a good fit for her. She is 3 and has alot of learning to do. My job is to help guide her and encourage her and motivate her. I show her little tricks or give her ideas but I let her build on her own. Sometimes I guide her and other times I observe. I think both are ultimately important.
I am a fan of how chunky the balls and rods are. They are perfect for little toddler hands. The rods are ribbed and are magnetic on the ends making it easy to connect another rod or ball onto them and start the building fun. The magnets are on the inside of the rod so you do not have to worry about your little one accidentally getting a magnet and shoving it in his/her mouth. This design is wonderful for that reason and easy to hold. I really like the bold colors of: Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green.
Guidecraft included an activity booklet with our Better builders 30 pc Set and even though I thought it was cool, my three year old had no interest in it. I am sure she will over time but right now she is too busy making her very own creations and I am just fine with that.
It is helpful to me when I want to help guide her or give her ideas. I can show her the possibilities of things we can build together from the pieces that we have.
On Guidecraft's website they explain that the educational focus here is: to exercise creativity, share principles of Science, magnetism, and engineering. I agree with each of those listed and I feel that this would be a great toy for anyone with kids and even schools/daycare's because it would help socially, too, while working together as a team with other kids.
This Better Builders set coordinates with the other Better Builders sets by Guidecraft as well, so you can build on and create even more awesome structures.
Pros- This set comes with an activity booklet
- It comes with an open storage bin
- The pieces are big so they are good for little hands
- STEM learning
Cons- Only magnetic on ends. My toddler gets frustrated
- 30 sounds like alot but it really isn't much for the cost
- $49.95 for the 30 pc set seems expensive (But they do feel durable and like they will
last a lifetime)
If you are interested in learning more about Better Builders or Guidecraft, you can browse their website to see the other products they offer and bigger Better Builder sets and extended versions with community people, career people, etc.. at http://www.guidecraft.com/
I did not explain earlier what STEM learning was, yet I feel it is so important. In case you are not aware, it focuses on the following four subjects.
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
As mentioned on www.livescience.com, "STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications."
They also explain blended learning--->"What separates STEM from the traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. STEM education begins while students are very young."
So you can imagine how important it is to have STEM education in the life of your child(ren).
If you would like to connect with Guidecraft, you can find them on: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest, & Google+
Now onto the GIVEAWAY!!! If you want to have the opportunity to win a box of the Guidecraft™ Better Builders 30 Piece Set
then ENTER HERE!!! (I do want to make note that the winner of this giveaway will be responsible for shipping fees, as the company sent the additional box to me and I am not in a place where I can pay shipping for the winner of this giveaway.)
Comment Below: (claim this entry on the giveaway form)
Who would you gift this set to if you won? What other products are you interested on from Guidecraft's website?
First, I'll start you off with the product details from Guidecrafts site so you know what they are! You can find out what my thoughts were on this Better Builders set just below that!
What's Better Builders?
With super strong magnetic force, unique rod and ball configurations and myriad design possibilities, Better Builders are a wonderfully inventive way to help children discover principles of science, construction, and engineering while developing their creativity skills. Includes handy storage bin and deluxe 13-page Activity Guide which explores magnet science and provides sample building models for all ages. Magnets are safely and securely embedded in the over-sized rods. Metal balls ensure a quick and strong connection. Tested to ages 18 months plus. An Oppenheim Platinum Best Toy Award Winner. For ages 2+.
- Open-ended magnetic construction toy for ages 2+
- Set includes 30 primary color pieces, storage bin and an activity guide
- Over-sized rods with grooved grips and embedded magnets are perfect for small hands
- Rods come in various sizes for more stylish designs
- Quality steel balls make building a snap
- Coordinates with all original Better Builders® construction sets
- Material: Plastic rods, multicolored metal balls, and super strong magnets
- Educational Focus: Exercises creativity, principles of science, magnetism, and engineering
- Suggested Age: 2+
I love to incorporate STEM learning into my daughters playtime. She is having fun learning but does not even realize it. WIN WIN! Who doesn't love a toy that is fun and educational at the same time?!
Building with toys encourages creativity and imagination. I love to see what my daughter comes up with and constructs on her own. Does she get frustrated? Sure, she does. But that does not mean it is not a good fit for her. She is 3 and has alot of learning to do. My job is to help guide her and encourage her and motivate her. I show her little tricks or give her ideas but I let her build on her own. Sometimes I guide her and other times I observe. I think both are ultimately important.
I am a fan of how chunky the balls and rods are. They are perfect for little toddler hands. The rods are ribbed and are magnetic on the ends making it easy to connect another rod or ball onto them and start the building fun. The magnets are on the inside of the rod so you do not have to worry about your little one accidentally getting a magnet and shoving it in his/her mouth. This design is wonderful for that reason and easy to hold. I really like the bold colors of: Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green.
Guidecraft included an activity booklet with our Better builders 30 pc Set and even though I thought it was cool, my three year old had no interest in it. I am sure she will over time but right now she is too busy making her very own creations and I am just fine with that.
It is helpful to me when I want to help guide her or give her ideas. I can show her the possibilities of things we can build together from the pieces that we have.
On Guidecraft's website they explain that the educational focus here is: to exercise creativity, share principles of Science, magnetism, and engineering. I agree with each of those listed and I feel that this would be a great toy for anyone with kids and even schools/daycare's because it would help socially, too, while working together as a team with other kids.
This Better Builders set coordinates with the other Better Builders sets by Guidecraft as well, so you can build on and create even more awesome structures.
Pros- This set comes with an activity booklet
- It comes with an open storage bin
- The pieces are big so they are good for little hands
- STEM learning
Cons- Only magnetic on ends. My toddler gets frustrated
- 30 sounds like alot but it really isn't much for the cost
- $49.95 for the 30 pc set seems expensive (But they do feel durable and like they will
last a lifetime)
If you are interested in learning more about Better Builders or Guidecraft, you can browse their website to see the other products they offer and bigger Better Builder sets and extended versions with community people, career people, etc.. at http://www.guidecraft.com/
I did not explain earlier what STEM learning was, yet I feel it is so important. In case you are not aware, it focuses on the following four subjects.
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
As mentioned on www.livescience.com, "STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications."
They also explain blended learning--->"What separates STEM from the traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. STEM education begins while students are very young."
So you can imagine how important it is to have STEM education in the life of your child(ren).
If you would like to connect with Guidecraft, you can find them on: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest, & Google+
Now onto the GIVEAWAY!!! If you want to have the opportunity to win a box of the Guidecraft™ Better Builders 30 Piece Set
then ENTER HERE!!! (I do want to make note that the winner of this giveaway will be responsible for shipping fees, as the company sent the additional box to me and I am not in a place where I can pay shipping for the winner of this giveaway.)
Comment Below: (claim this entry on the giveaway form)
Who would you gift this set to if you won? What other products are you interested on from Guidecraft's website?