Category: Toys and Play

Our Maker Mindset

There is no greater joy than watching children create something. Whether the creating is done solo or in a group, thinking is visible. You can see the “wheels turning”. Hands-on work requires trial and error. If […]

Four Emerging Trends in Education to Keep An Eye On

I have often heard the adage, “In education, what’s old is new again.” While this is true of some initiatives, I’ve been in education long enough to know these strategies are improved upon as they come […]

Did Anyone Feed The Dog? – Useful Ardunio Projects For Kids Project #1

On any typical morning in the Bigari household, you’ll hear the following phrase being yelled out: “HAS THE DOG BEEN FED YET?” You see, our dog Chloe had a rough life until she was rescued and […]

Modern Day Pioneers: That’s no Oregon Trail up ahead – it’s the convergence of STEM and World Languages

What does it take to be a pioneer? To leave the tried and true path in search of something more. To know that it is not if failure will strike, but when, and how you will […]

17 of the Best Board Games for Kids Who Spend Too Much Time Online

There was a time when the greatest new games could not be bought with a click from the App Store. There was a time when gaming was not a pursuit of lone children with poor posture, tired […]

9 Best Colored Pencil Sets for Your Budding Da Vincis

Think you might have a junior Da Vinci or Van Gogh in the house? Are they not yet ready for the mess of charcoal drawing pencils? Whether your little one is currently scribbling shapes, coloring by […]

11 Cool Garbage Truck Toys for Kids

There’s nothing garbage about these garbage truck toys for kids! Whether your child loves to help taking out the trash (yeah, right!) waiting outside in the morning to wave to the garbage man, they’ll love having […]

2017 #HOUROFCODE is here

Overview The Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10) is upon us, and with it comes one of the biggest education movements in history, Hour of Code. 475 million students have participated in an Hour of Code since it’s […]

We’re On Tilt Over The Kiwi Crate

If there is one thing that seems clear to me, children learn different subjects through different means. Some learn best by reading. Others absorb information better through video. Not every child wants to explore science through […]

15 Awesome Minecraft Plush Toys for Fans of the Blockbuster Game

With over 100 million registered users, the super-fun block-building video game Minecraft has become a global sensation. Loved by educators and children alike, this superb sandbox world-crafting game is great for developing creativity and STEM skills. […]

This Year EVERYONE Is Invited to MineCon

We tend to have a bit of a Minecraft crush around Fractus Learning HQ. Part of this crush is because we love playing the game with our kids; part of it is because readers seem to […]

Family Time With the Doodle Crate

As my children get older, they don’t spend as much time playing with one another. This is especially true of my high school junior and her fourth-grade brother. One is interested in driving and hanging out […]

The Most Kid Friendly STEM Box Subscriptions For 2018

We are all aware of how important it is to encourage and nurture the love of learning in our children. But when you think back to gifts you’ve given in the past, how many of them […]

Tinkering Around With Tinker Crate

One of the best gifts you can get for a child is something that keeps them engaged yet teaches them at the same time. When children are toddlers this is easy – the child is still […]

Our Koala Crate Experience Was Music To Our Ears

Most of the STEM subscription boxes are targeted at older children. The Koala Crate from Kiwi Crate is not like most subscription boxes. And if you are looking to get a great gift for a young […]

11 Perplexing Puzzle Box Toys for Brainteasing Fun

Think your little one would love a baffling brainteaser? How about a super-secure safe for their favorite things? Or maybe you’d just like a surefire way to make your next gift more memorable? Well, you can […]

Build A Love Of Programming With BitsBox

Here are two universal truths: 1)Kids are going to be asking for video games, apps, or other programs for Christmas this year. 2)Most parents would like their kids to grow up to be ‘creators’ rather than […]

Exploring The World Around Us With Green Kid Crafts

“Where do clouds come from, Daddy?” “Daddy, why does ice float?” Oh, I remember the days when my children would ask me more ‘Who/What/Where/Why?’ questions than the average cub reporter. While sometimes it got to be […]

STEM Lab Deluxe and My Child: A Match Made In Heaven

Raise your hand if you’ve seen the Mentos In Cola trick? I’m guessing your hand is up (if so, you can put it down now). Did you know who the first person to show it on […]

How Minecraft Can Foster a Love of Reading

More and more educators are finding success using gaming for education. Minecraft, in particular, has shown its ability to be a game that’s both engaging and potentially educational. For starters, the game allows players to think […]