They often say a small child is happier pushing a chair across a room than playing with a complicated, computerized toy. Do you think that rings true?
I was reading a book over the weekend called "Hamlet's Blackberry" about how over-connected we all are becoming, in terms of technology. While our technologies are indeed useful and help us in many ways, they are at times overwhelming...something I have been pondering more and more lately.
The book mentioned that because we all go from task to task so quickly, and are interrupted so often, our experiences can begin to lack "depth"... which I thought was interesting. What is depth?
Well, it's more of a sensual thing, for me... feeling, smelling, touching, hearing, noticing... tasting... looking. But also learning. Help me to be more present in the moment. I spent the holiday up at the lake, disconnected --- but REconnected.
These are handmade blocks made of everyday woods...and I liked the idea that a child can learn so much, on so many levels, through this simple toy.
I am LOVING those blocks. They gorgeous, if such an adjective can be used to describe a child's toy! I wish I had $50 to blow on 8 blocks. Maybe someday . . . Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lara | Sep 07, 2010 at 10:56 PM
I love these blocks and I have to say that I remember playing with a tiny set of colorful blocks from Germany when I was little and it was my absolute favorite toy. I spent hours rearranging them. My daughter's Nanny was from Nigeria and she says that in her village the children have no toys and truly play all day with sticks and sand and stones, all day, all their childhood.
Posted by: Carol Neiley | Sep 08, 2010 at 07:21 AM
Hi Carol, that is such an interesting story. I have always loved blocks too. They just feel good! Much nicer than typing away on a keyboard : )
Yes, sticks and stones do make great toys. I loved the way these blocks also reminded of just where our daily materials come from...they feel kind of reverent in that way. : )
Posted by: Susy | Sep 08, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Ha - yeah. Agreed! ... But if I only wrote about deals and steals, I'd lose most of my readers I bet. haha
Posted by: Susy | Sep 08, 2010 at 12:15 PM
When I was little, I had a little wooden cube box filled with little wooden cubes. Each cube had a letter (both lowercase and uppercase) and a couple pictures lasercut into them. I played with these blocks all the time! I just loved building and building and building. Our kids need this type of playtime, too. I read the other day that the majority of kids between 8 and 18 spend at least 53 hours a week on "social entertainment." I.e., tv, internet, etc... It's so sad. We're forgetting how to unplug and to just be. Of course, I'm saying this while typing on your blog, but still!
Posted by: Brittany | Sep 08, 2010 at 04:32 PM
I love these! I'm discovering my own two kids that the simpler toys are better. We live in a sea of plastic and I see them get so overwhelmed that they end up not doing anything. So I'm trying to pare down. The simple toys help fuel the imagination... and that's important!
Posted by: Terri | Sep 12, 2010 at 09:35 PM
awesome!!! these are so clever. great find.
Posted by: joanna goddard | Oct 17, 2010 at 11:35 AM
awesome!! these are so clever.
Posted by: joanna goddard | Oct 17, 2010 at 11:36 AM