Wooden Magnetic Stacking Train

Details

Is it a train or a set of magnetic blocks? This magnetic stacking train provides a lesson in magnetism, physics, and movement. The train comes in classic bright colors and doesn't need tracks. There are 9 magnetic blocks and two bases. Children may begin by exploring the blocks, then experimenting with the magnetic connection. Months later, with much practice, they will have the ability to sort and sequence to build the locomotive.

An excellent first birthday gift. The toddler will love the fun. The parent will love the education value.

ECO-FRIENDLY TOY
SIZE: 8" x 3" x 3.5"
AGE RANGE: 15 mos.+

Developmental Value

This magnetic stacking train is packed with learning potential! 

The blocks are an excellent size for clutching, grasping and improving fine motor skills.

The blocks need to stay orderly to create balance on the train base.

Although children can play with these blocks in a multitude of ways, if they want to build the train, they must develop pattern and scale recognition to put the blocks in an order that makes sense.

Stacking toys require problem-solving which is a critical skill for a developing mind. Effective problem solving requires a controlled mixture of both analytic (left-brain activity) and creative (right-brain activity) thinking. Good problem solvers switch from one set of skills to the other. 

• Logic skills are developed through ordering the pieces, comparing them, contrasting them, evaluating them and selecting the correct part. The child must choose the best alternative from the options available by narrowing down the range of possibilities (a convergent process).

• Creative skills are developed when something isn't working because the child must consider a broader set of solving options such as changing the position of the block, finding shape or color of the block. 

 The magnetic blocks are a great toy for building attention span in small steps of time. This toy train provides an excellent opportunity for relationship building with an adult who can help the child discriminate and get to another level of play.

Shape discrimination and train building require visual spatial awareness, the relationship between pieces, which supports fundamental skills for future math learning.

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Manufacture

BRIO was founded in 1884 in Osby, a small town located in southern Sweden. The firm has been creating quality products since that time. They have combined innovation with respect for the heritage of craftsmanship. Their mission is to create happy childhood memories. They believe in the magic of play. They support children's growth and development in a safe way. Today BRIO is a global company. They have been a Purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden since the 1940s.

When designing toys, there are four key principles BRIO strives for:

• Toys should be safe to play with
• They must comply with BRIO’s high-quality standards
• They must be intuitively easy for the child to understand
• They must help the child grow through play

Brio has held onto wood as the primary material they use for their toys. Beech hardwood as a material is timeless and very durable. It is not endangered, and it is easy to replace. Their wood comes from renewable forests grown in forests from Southern Sweden to the Northern European mainland. No unique biospheres are destroyed. At Sweetpea Toys, we love BRIO because they are thoughtful about toy design, safety, play needs, manufacturing and the care of our planet.