StixStrux

Stix Strux are like giant soda straws. They're virtually unbreakable. They are light and strong. They are meant to be used over and over. They'll get bent and beat up and dented. This is expected. Ugly Stix are loved Stix. You can build huge environments or just interesting shapes. They can hold up bedsheets. They can be assembled and disassembled at will by almost anybody. Since both our connectors and Stix can bend, they can build almost anything.. Are there instructions in the box? Not really. I put in some basic guidelines about geometry and what might work and what might not. Stixstrux are by design an experimental system. They're designed to go together quickly and simply by even the youngest kids. When a child is shown some simple guidelines, they can start to build. The concept is that with a "hands off" approach (sort of, depending on the capability of the child) kids can experiment and learn very fast what materials and methods work for them. I want the kids to feel in control. Stixstrux should do what the kids want it to do and go where the kids say... not where the connector or instructions tell it. This is open ended play at its most basic level. No instructions... No preconceived worlds put together by a marketing department. Just a few box pics showing some sort of defined space. No contrived dinosaurs or rocket ships or princess castles. Just Stix and connectors waiting for some imagination. The end result might leave an adult scratching their head to look for some positive praise or the obligatory "what is it?" (see pic to the right). Just smile and say "cool." Then try to experience your kid's creation from his or her point of view. Get inside if you can or just marvel at what a kid can do if they are just left to their own imagination. A little positive reinforcement will go a really long way. Comes with 50 "Stix" and 25 squishy connectors