Guidecraft Educator Review/Giveaway: Texo Builders

Each month, the Guidecraft Educators will share our honest feelings
about a Guidecraft product(s) and how these products would fare in an
early childhood classroom. This month's selection is from a long-awaited new line by Guidecraft - Texo.

From Guidecraft:  TexoTM is the award-winning 3 dimensional design and construction system by architect, author and designer Lester Walker. The beauty of TexoTM is the variety of building systems found within one toy: simple puzzles, shape sorting and color matching at its most basic level, the system allows for a gradual progression to stacking the interconnected shapes and on to advanced architectural models such as bridges, houses, skyscrapers and more! Solid wood rods and planks coupled with the geometric precision of molded plastic connectors enhance the design and construction potential. Also included is a deluxe Activity Guide with how-to’s, commentary and step-by-step instructions on maximizing the potential of TexoTM. Ages 3+.

The TEXO builders were a HUGE hit in my classroom!  I broke them out during work time (a time when children have a choice about where they're going to "work," what they're going to "work" with and who they're going to "work" with and then have the opportunity to follow through with that plan with staff support).  Two children started out at the table with the TEXO builders, but the crowd quickly grew.  One child worked with a staff member to try and build a model from the activity book that was provided - that proved to be a little too difficult for her and she quickly moved on to her own creations.  Other children made simple representations - magic wands... this has been the biggest use so far.  However, as their little minds develop, I'm sure the structures will as well!

While the children were exploring, I too, was exploring!  Exploring how these could best benefit the children in my classroom.  Fine motor coordination was most prevalent in my mind!  Creative representation was also at the top of my list... along with the incorporation of literacy into the activity if children opt to take advantage of the activity guide with provides photos of structures that children can try and mimic as well as text that can be shared. 

My Thoughts: The TEXO builders provide for a variety of learning mediums to be explored - color, shape, creative representation from simple to complex.  This particular 100 piece set is ideal for a group of MAYBE 3-4 students... any more and things get a bit chaotic.  The wooden pieces are very sturdy and held up very well.  There are a few of the plastic "rod" pieces that are already breaking a bit at the ends.  That was a bit disappointing, but to be expected when being used by 4-year olds.  Overall, the TEXO builders are well worth investing in and will provide for many hours of enjoyment.

So... what do other 'Guidecraft Educators' have to say about the TEXO 100 pc Building Set?

Maureen at Simply Stacie
Andrea at MommyPR
Deborah at Teach Preschool
Carrie from Huppie Mama
Jody from Mommy Moment
Candace at Mamanista!
Vanessa from Pre-K Pages

The Giveaway

Guidecraft is generously offering ONE lucky reader of the Guidecraft Educators a chance to win one of these PowerClix sets!!! To enter, head on over to Pre-K Pages for details!

Or... if you just can't wait to win one and NEED them now, they can be purchased online at: 

TEXO:  Guidecraft.com or Amazon.com

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