Baniyan.com combines Education with Maker Fun
Date
7/11/2016 1:37:53 AM
(MENAFNEditorial) Teaching toys with a variety of shapes, uses and lessons
A six-month old local startup, Baniyan.com recently launched their collection of Paint Your Own Animal Phone Stand craft kits for children. The phone stands create an opportunity for the child to make something special for their loved ones and experience the joy of giving.
Usually, children bring back home their art and craft projects from school which are proudly displayed by parents - either on the refrigerator door or the pin-up board at their work desk. Their creative work has no tangible utility beyond display for the week, and is soon replaced with the next project completed at school. Baniyan wanted to change that.
The phone stand kits were sampled by 6 to 10 year-olds of Polaris Montessori School in Upland. The kids choose from the various animals - dog, cat, rabbit, duck, turtle, elephant, frog, bear. A 10-year old observed, You can paint it any way that you like but it can get a little messy so you need to be careful. I also like all the animal designs. Another 8 year old revealed, (I can) decorate it any way that I want. I made my duck a warrior duck with the colors of my favorite football team.
The kit comes with laser-cut wood pieces, a paint container, a paint applicator and googly eyes. With detailed activity instructions, children can complete and assemble the project with minimal adult supervision. The kits can be purchased on Amazon at www.amazon.com/shops/Baniyan
Arts and craft projects for kids are not only a fun pastime but also a means of developing skills related to perspective and composition. Research by education experts like TED speaker Alison Gopnik, an internationally recognized leader in the study of childrens learning and development, has shown that children thrive when they are engaged with manipulative materials that are balanced with open-ended opportunities for exploration. As the child paints, decorates and assembles the phone stand, they strengthen their attention to detail, while discovering the joy associated with creating something all on their own. The completed stand is sturdy and something the parents can use everyday - for charging their mobile phones as well as to hold it up for conference or Skype calls.
These activity kits are fabricated at a local Makerspace in Upland - Umakers. Zef, co-founder of Baniyan said, Having access to advanced digital manufacturing equipment and the guidance of Umakers founder Rob has been instrumental in turning ideas into new products. Zef has a background in teaching design and wants to make products that are both useful and educational.
About Baniyan: Baniyan is a startup based in the creative hub of Southern California. Part of the Maker movement in the Southern California, it strives to translate traditional designs using modern manufacturing methods like laser cutting and 3D printing.
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