[Magdalen] Toys for the young engineer

[Grace Cangialosi]

Susan,
These look too simple for Dylan as you describe him. There are electronics kits for kids that allow them to build different things that work, much like chemistry sets.
If you have time, I'd suggest a trip to C'ville to the toy stores Alakazam! or Shenanigans. They have wonderful, off-the-beaten-track selections and would be able to make suggestions. And I'd be happy to go with you; I love good toy stores.

> On Oct 27, 2014, at 8:30 PM, Susan Hagen <susanvhagen at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I spent Sunday with my friend Shelia and her grandchildren.  Dylan has
> just turned 6.  Recent evaluations have shown him with some behavior
> issues but with visual/spatial/analytical skills far beyond his years.
> He is passionate about airplanes and helicopters, showed my an
> extensive portfolio of photos, art projects, diagrams of such that he
> explained very clearly.  He has progressed from Duplos to Legos and
> spent the afternoon assembling quite complex flying machines with tiny
> little components.  I asked how he knew how to do them and he whipped
> out the story-board type instructions and explained that you do the
> number 1 picture, then the number 2 step and so on.  I was
> flabbergasted since most adults I know can't or won't read and follow
> instructions.  I tell you that the next time I have to set up
> electronic equipment from the wretched pictorial instructions I'm
> going to get him to do it.
> 
> I'm looking for toys that would appeal to this budding geek for
> Christmas.  Would you who are or who have raised this kind of kid make
> some suggestions?  I did find this promising site:
> 
> https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toys/toy_categories/kites_planes_rockets/index.cfm
> 
> Thanks,
> Susan
> 
> -- 
> Before enlightenment pay bills, do laundry.  After enlightenment pay
> bills, do laundry.