I am a big fan of minimalism when it comes to toys, especially educational toys. Growing up I might have gotten a couple fad toys, but I they never lasted long and I really don’t remember them. What I remember was dolls, toy cars, blocks, sticks, rocks, string, boards, and cardboard boxes. I remember toys that allowed us to create our own stories, our own games, and our own world.
As toys have gotten more commercial driven and less interactive, it seems harder to find quality toys that will spark the imagination and leave lasting memories.
Take advantage of this great Spielgaben deal only available to readers of The Homeschool Scientist. Click this link for information on how to get a coupon on your first Spielgaben set!
For the past couple years, I’ve been stalking bloggers like Carisa at 1+1+1=1 and how they use wonderful toys from a company called Spielgaben. My children actually used them in their Reggio Emilia based pre-school and loved them. When Spielgaben contacted me and wanted to know if we would like a set of toys to review, I was thrilled. I just knew they would be a hit in our home even though my kids are getting older.
When a resource promotes open-ended learning, there is no right or wrong way to use it. By using imagination and creativity, the object comes alive in infinite forms. Spielgaben toys offer basic materials that can be played with as children see fit. As children play unhindered by expectations or outside influence, their imaginations run wild.
The Spielgaben blocks might be use to make a castle or skyscraper or even a maze. The colored tiles can be used to form shapes or to create a picture. The colored balls can be used in a game or to roll down a ramp created by other Spielgaben objects.
I like toys and educational materials that are going to last more than a year. I want them to be more than a phase or a fad. Give me toys that will grow with our children. Spielgaben toys fit that bill perfectly.
When in pre-school, my children used Spielgaben toys. They built towers with the blocks, butterflies with the colored tiles, and represented numbers with various objects. I thought my kids would outgrow those types of simple toys. Turns out, I was wrong.
Since receiving our Spielgaben set, my 11 year old and my 15 year old have been using them in all types of ways. They are no longer building simple towers or representing numbers. They are building models of hockey rinks, a gym for our sugar glider, and making rockets. It’s still open-ended learning, just on a older scale.
Remember when things were built to last? How many toys have you bought for your kids that have broke the day they got it? How disappointing! Spielgaben toys are high quality. From the impressive wood case to the wood blocks and high quality plastic balls, nothing is cheaply made. These are built to last.
Not only is the case well-made, it is made specifically to hold all the Spielgaben pieces. Everything has it’s place. There is no excuse for pieces on the floor with no where to go. Kids can learn to organize their supplies, as well as build.
Why My Kids Like Spielgaben?
In this world of X-Box, Pokemon Go, and iPads, Spielgaben toys are something different and interesting to this generation of kids. Mine were drawn to the shapes and colors. I find them putting down their games on hot summer afternoons and quietly playing and creating.
The complete Spielgaben set contains blocks, sticks, tile shapes, knit balls, and plastic balls. These can be used in an infinite number of ways. This is great for my 11 year old who mows through science kits and building sets just to see how fast he can complete the instructions. I find him going back again and again to build something new with the Spielgaben toys.
Spielgaben toys are recommended for kids 3-12. Check out their website for Spielgaben learning ideas. Learning guides are, also, available to help you incorporate play into everyday life.
Want to learn more about Spielgaben?
I am considering a set for my 5,3, and 1 year old, that, barring the possibility of lost and broken pieces, would like to keep as a long term tool for math and creative play. I am concerned that initial reactions to the set are very enthusiastic, but after a couple of years student interest slows or stops, and familiarity with the product will lead to boredom over time. My kids are young, so this is not a problem I have…yet. But I have limited space and funds and want toys we can have a higher value of life experiences with (not too tall an order, right?) We will be doing primarily nature study and reading living books for every subject. I plan on buying very few toys over the next 10 years. We have a small collection of “Imaginary play” props, costumes, and dolls. What is YOUR opinion on limiting our collection to imaginary play, and the spielgaben? Could it fulfill that educational and creative “hole”? (I know that is loaded. Just asking for your observations, not the answer to life. I am asking many bloggers to get a feel of the longevity of the appeal of this set) Thank you!!!!
In our house, we have very few traditional toys. We, too, see the value in open-ended toys and materials that make our kids use their imagination and minds. Our kids are now 12 and 16 and that approach worked well with them throughout their childhood. That being said, the Speilgaben set is among the best open-ended toys I have had experience with. There is just so many options with this set and it is nearly indestructible which means it will last for years with many children. It is pricey, but can be used in so many ways and for so many years that I think it is worth it. I hope that answered your questions.