Making Classic Toys that Teach

by Doug Stowe

Based on the educational theories of Friedrich Frobel, the originator of kindergarten, this book gives step-by-step instructions on how to make toys designed to channel children’s creativity. Projects are grouped into three categories: developmental, drawing, and construction sets. Each consists of simple wooden shapes (spheres, cubes, cylinders, tiles, sticks and rings) that can be incorporated in a wide array of activities, whether as puzzle pieces, building components or drawing templates.

Instructions are also given for making your own miter box, useful for completing the projects, as well as boxes to hold the toys. Each project is supplemented with color photos and a list of tools and materials, along with instructions and drawings outlining how the toy set can be used. Softcover, 8" × 10", 143 pages, 2016.