Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Pre-school Good things for my 4-year old to take apart?

I also just thought of these two book/kits that my son loves. Your son would be able to play with these unsupervised, as they're just made of sturdy cardboard and plastic.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Cars-Work...r=8-1&keywords=how+cars+work+nick+arnold

http://www.amazon.com/How-Machines-...1&keywords=how+machines+work+nick+arnold

what would be the oldest that would like this aquinas (typical kid oldest age and PG oldest age) do you think? (Is it babish or at a good solid elementary level?)

Do you think he would like the Battat Take Apart toys? I also recommend going to the thrift shop and picking up cheap items to disassemble. Maybe making him a work bench just for taking things apart so parts don't get scattered around your house?

Typical probably 10-11ish? I'm admittedly not very good at guessing age typical activities.

PG maybe 7-8.

DS is 3.5 and is on the beginning end of being able to use the kit himself, but still needs significant assistance. I can see him continuing to enjoy it for a few years.

Aquinas, thanks for the links to those books! They look awesome and have gone on his wishlist. I think someone on here had suggested 'Car Science' by Richard Hammond and we've really been enjoying that book although I'm learning more from it than he is so far (it's geared a bit older).

daytripper, we have one of the Battat take apart cars and he does like it. Another big hit (for others who have similar kids) are the mini Automoblox and Lego Juniors sets.

I'll see if I can get to a thrift store and I'll let everyone know if we hit on a super great project. I'm also thinking that some of the stuff we get in happy meal toys might work well.

Hi Readermom123,

We've taken apart all sorts of small appliances and even an older leaf blower. Keep an eye out for things offered for free in local newspapers (or on craigslist/freecycle).

BUT - one note. Don't take apart a large screen TV with a tube! At least not without doing some research first.

A friend gave us one for free, and I happened to go on youtube looking for the best was to tackle dismantling it. Turns out, the tube can retain a charge for a long time and is dangerous to open up. There were a number of very clever ways to eliminate the problem "safely". I recall a contraption where the guy slung a rope slung over a tree limb and swung the TV into an angled-upward sledge hammer to break it open and discharge it.) But none were something I wanted to tackle with DS at the time.

And don't miss the opportunity to do "great art" with the bits. We arrange pieces in a pleasing manner, super glue them to a board, and then spray paint them with bronze colored paint. You'd be surprised how pretty it all looks! This website inspired some of our arrangements: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/...f-disassembled-objects-by-todd-mclellan/

Have fun.

Sue

Ooh, Sue, I love the art idea! Thank you so much. Yeah, I'd heard the same about old TV's but for example I didn't know if newer computers and flat screens have the same issues.

Yes, suevv, that disassembly art website is gorgeous! Great resource! Thanks for the share!

For take-apart fun (reverse engineering), a bicycle is a traditional project and a 4-year old would need lots of help with this... a great opportunity to talk through the names and functions of different tools and bike components.

Small wind-up music boxes are also fascinating, and the gears are somewhat similar to those found in clocks (which another poster mentioned upthread as a great item to take apart).

Kits and models may also be fun... to build and to deconstruct.

This resource also shows "how things work", although even the easier articles may be a reach for most 4-year-olds.

As someone has already mentioned, avoid televisions (non-flat screen) and CRT monitors, as you can get a hefty shock.

There is lead in solder, so definitely have your kid wash his hands after handling circuit boards. I'm not sure how much, if any, would rub off onto your hands, but better to be safe.