Magnetic construction sets for children are considered a relative novelty in the market. It can be argued with a high degree of certainty that they have not yet reached their peak of popularity. Like all other types of construction set, these sets contribute to the development of a lot of useful skills in kids, having their own specifics. Since such a gift is a relatively new product, for many parents, the rules for choosing it and the available assortment still remain a mystery that is worth understanding.
What it is?
The principle of a typical children's construction set is known to everyone. It is assumed that from a large number of individual parts it is possible to assemble an integral structure that will have a playful or aesthetic value. Depending on the type of set, the method of connecting parts to each other, their number may differ. It also matters whether the parts are assembled in the prescribed manner into one piece of work, offered by the developer, or the designer does not limit the owner in impulses of creative imagination.
The situation is similar with the magnetic constructor. Its specific feature is the way of connecting parts to each other. Individual elements do not provide grooves or perforations for screws and nuts. Outwardly, such a set looks approximately the same as cubes of different shapes. In this case, the assembled craft turns out to be more durable.
There is a specific connection: each part has a magnet inside. This technology allows parts to be attached to each other in any position without any restrictions. It attracts the attention of a child who, from the age of 3, becomes really interested in why parts can be firmly connected without visible fasteners.
Benefit
It is difficult to come up with any harm that, at least in theory, a magnetic constructor could inflict on a child (unless the parents choose an unsuccessful set). The benefits of playing with such a gift are obvious.
In the process of playing, the kid is rapidly developing spatial abstract imagination... The magnetic kit has no grooves or other restrictions on how exactly parts should be attached to each other. Therefore, the kid can build anything from the set.
Even complete abstractions, actively produced by preschoolers from such sets, allow the child to improve their imagination, which over time will help to construct something sensible and original.
The magnetic constructor promotes the development of perseverance. It is usually quite difficult for a preschool kid to concentrate on one thing for a long time. A kid can learn "not to lose the situation" for a long time only by training. This process looks more attractive for him in a playful way. A pleasant bonus to the described result will be the ability to consistently think, as well as the developed desire to bring what has been started to the end.
Like any other constructor, the magnetic variety helps in improving the coordination of movements and the development of fine motor skills of the hands. Self-construction always contributes to a certain stimulation of interest in science. When assembling a toy car, the child thinks about what the assembly of a real car looks like.
Of course, it will not be possible to convey such a process to a preschooler in all the details. However, you can give at least initial information, for example, about the most basic details and their purpose. The kid, whose memory is not yet hammered, will surely remember what he said. In addition, the very fact of magnetic attraction should interest the baby. As a rule, small owners of magnetic kits are very curious about why the parts of the designer stick together.
Criterias of choice
The principles for determining the ideal construction set are approximately similar for all varieties of this educational toy. However, the choice of the magnetic version has its own specifics. A few simple tips will help you choose a kit so as not to regret purchasing it. Magnetic constructors are similar to each other mainly in the principle of operation. However, they may differ in appearance, number of parts, and suggested assembly models.
If you plan to make a choice on the spot (in front of the shop window), the likelihood that you will be confused increases. Experts recommend going to the children's store after the potential buyer clearly imagines 1-2 options for the sets that would satisfy him.
Fortunately, modern information technology allows you to explore the range without leaving your home. In recent years, parents have been more and more insistently advised to choose children's products scrupulously, taking care not only of the external attractiveness of toys, but also of their safety for the child.
Since it will not be possible to carry out a complex chemical analysis, one has to focus on quality certificates, which necessarily accompany products of a decent level. Any large children's store should have one if it values its own reputation. Buying a constructor is risky on the market. There, even with certificates, the probability of poor-quality storage conditions is relatively high.
The choice of a particular set largely depends on the personal preferences of the child or his parents. However, it is generally accepted that expensive imported kits like Geomag or Magnext are of better quality. The last statement applies to almost all designers of American or European origin. But it does not apply to imported goods from China, which are much cheaper and usually do not shine in quality.
Russian goods usually occupy an intermediate position between Chinese and Western counterparts in terms of price and quality. If there is not enough money for a purchase, but you want to make a gift, you can buy domestic or Chinese brands that look better against the background of designers from the same country. These include, for example, Magical Magnet or Magneticus. Any constructor should be easy to assemble and disassemble.
At the same time, the assembled craft must also have a certain strength so as not to fall apart while playing with it.
Disconnecting the magnets should be easy. Even a child should not make significant efforts for this. As for the connection, usually it is enough to shake 2-3 parts connected together by weight. If they do not fall off from each other, then the magnet is reliable enough. As a rule, magnetic constructors are made of plastic, although there are exceptions in the form of other materials.
It is unlikely that it will be possible to assess the naturalness and safety of the chemical composition of plastic parts. However, you can at least smell them. An unpleasant odor is a direct indication of toxic emissions from the product or used paint. At the same time, you need to evaluate the appearance of the parts. It is unacceptable that they have mechanical damage or be sharp in themselves.
Magnetic constructors have traditionally been quite expensive. However, sometimes the large amount paid for a set seems unfair due to the relatively small number of parts. The constructor will be interesting to the child only if there are a lot of elements in it, they allow you to collect a variety of crafts. If these conditions are not met, and even the set is quite expensive, it makes sense to pay attention to cheaper options.
Manufacturers
The buyer sometimes finds it easier to trust the name of the manufacturer, which is on everyone's lips. Therefore, it is worth considering the main brands that are in demand in the domestic market.
Magformers
The American manufacturer is the world leader in this area. The brand produces bright and durable plastic construction sets in the form of squares and triangles, although there are also specific character figures in expensive sets. Sets are produced for boys and girls. But they are not available for everyone: the price of a starter kit reaches 2 thousand rubles. More advanced ones can cost 10,000 rubles.
Mag building
The Chinese analogue of the previous series, which will cost the consumer approximately 2.5 times cheaper.
Magical magnet
Another Chinese copy of a global brand, featuring low prices and reduced quality. Criticized for the rather high fragility of parts, offers a set with reduced elements.
Magneticus
The Russian brand offers an unusual glowing magnetic constructor at a low price - from 500 rubles. However, plastic is criticized for its strong fragility, and there are usually very few parts in such a set.
Geomag
Symbiosis of Swiss quality and low price. The average set will cost parents up to 1,000 rubles. The kits are focused on assembling mainly one, but very beautiful craft.
Among other manufacturers that also deserve attention, one cannot fail to highlight the brands Kribly Boo and Bondibon. With their help, kids will be able to master the first steps in creating various shapes.
For an overview of magnetic constructors for children, see the next video.
