Toys that inspire creativity

Many educational theorists complain about the toys made for kids.  They note that most of the creativity is put in by the designers and manufacturers leaving little to exercise the creative imaginations of kids. 

So today we did a simple experiment with each student being given 8 blocks. The idea was for them to observe their own creativity. Each came up with something different to made from their 8 blocks. When done with one project the students asked for 8 more to build something else. Of course this experiment was derived from Froebel's Kindergarten.

One of our objectives is to develop a set of project kits that the kids can sell in their study of small business. You can buy kits for children to assemble at Lowe's or Home Depot, and aside from giving the kids a chance to use a hammer they are of less value than a set of 8 blocks if your point is to develop both the skill and imagination we want our children to have.

My new book has received a positive review from Foreword Reviews. The review will go in the March/April edition. I'll not share the whole review here except for one line: 

The Wisdom of Our Hands encourages people to engage themselves in crafting, applying their hearts and minds to the art of bringing about a better world.

They note that Foreword Reviews only reviews books that they love. 

Make, fix and create... Assist others in learning likewise.