Disclosure: This is not a compensated or sponsored post. I was provided the product for review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own.
When I first saw this toy, I loved that it was 3 toys in 1. Toys that can be played within multiple ways are great, and the 1-2-3 Build It! Rocket-Train-Helicopter from Learning Resources is a prime example. The three-in-one toy holds oodles of potential for imaginative play. Its picture-based instructions show kids how to assemble each of the three vehicles using a chunky wrench that’s perfect for little hands. The brightly colored, well-made pieces are easy to grasp and manipulate, and a reusable box keeps all the components in one place when it’s time to tidy up. Imaginative, fine motor, rudimentary engineering, and vocabulary skills will all get a workout as kids assemble and then play with each vehicle and the included figure—or even create their own modes of transportation using the various pieces. Though its cartoonish look might mean kids outgrow it in a year or two, this toy is durable enough to pass along to another child, as long as you don’t lose any of the pieces. And as a bonus for parents, there are no batteries required, and the toy makes zero sound—beyond the engine noises your kid is sure to conjure up.
This set introduces children to engineering as they fit the interchangeable pieces together to make a train, rocket, or helicopter.
I love how it helps to develop problem-solving skills and their hand-eye coordination as they work out which piece goes where. It was interesting watching the children hone their engineering skills as they put the vehicles together and took them apart again. Each vehicle also introduced children to different parts and vocabulary, ranging from wheels to propellers, which generates discussion and helps develop their understanding of the world. We did find our younger testers needed some adult support, especially when constructing the train – but after several attempts, they were able to complete it by themselves.
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