Creating with Kaleidograph
When Scott from Red Hen, LLC, and co-creator of Kaleidograph, contacted me about collaborating with the company I was very excited. He and his partner, Norman Brosterman (author of Inventing Kindergarten) are experts on the Froebel method and committed to open-ended play. I was very pleased when he offered to send me 4 Kaleidograph sets to review (a total blogger bonus since the sets were already on my wish list!!!)
Each set includes 9 two-sided paperboard die-cut and 3 two-sided solid backer cards. By stacking, flipping, and rotating the cards there are billions of designs to be created. The sets are both a toy … and design tool. It’s one of those toys that when placed in front of you just BEGS to be played with … hard for a person of any age not to want to design one of his/her own. And for those who don’t prefer the open ended nature of the toy, there is a design poster included in each set to see if you can recreate the designs.
Here’s more about each individual set:
Kaleidograph Crystal Set – (MSRP-$14.99) Based on “interconnected hexagonal geometry found in nature”.
Kaleidograph Contrast Set – (MSRP-$14.99) Features black/white printed designs on the same die-cut cards as the Kaleidograph Crystal set.
Kaleidograph Flora Set – (MSRP-$14.99) Explore the geometry of flowers.
Kaleiograph OpArt Set – (MSRP-$14.99) Black/white designs based on mid-century modern art printed on the same die-cut cards as the Kaleidograph Flora set.
Each individual set is wonderful and a great product on its own, however … use all the sets together and the design options seem INFINITE! It didn’t take long after I showed my kids the sets that they were mixing and matching them to create unique designs. Here’s a step-by-step look at one my 8 year old son created …
One thing we’ve really LOVED about the sets are how easy it is to take with us. I put the cards in a sandwich size closable bag to help protect them (I want them to last as long as possible!) and throw the bag in my purse. It’s been a lifesaver at family get togethers and dinners at restaurants! Wanna see some of our creations?
Laura Hutchison
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Wow, what a neat product. Thanks so much for sharing it…I am glad to learn about it!
Meeghan recently posted…We love books!
Great write up and what a cool product. I can see it working for any age and providing lots of new wonder.
Those are mesmerizing! What fun!