Model Airplanes and Helicopter

When Grant was three, I had this idea of finding an easy-to-construct model made out of foam, but had never actually seen such a thing. Then, I came across the Lauri Peg-a-Plane model set on clearance at a parent-teacher store. I was so excited. It was exactly what I had been hoping to find AND it was airplanes and a helicopter, which interested Grant. 

The manufacturer recommended age is 4+. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking that Grant was able to put these models together by himself at age 3. However, he was able to find all the appropriate pieces for each model and place them on top of instruction sheet pictures. His fingers and fine motor skills were not strong enough to push the pegs through the holes, especially when this toy  was new and the holes in the foam had not yet loosened up from use. Although he could not put the models together by himself, this was a great project for us to do together. I taught him how to read the instructions, which are pictoral, not written. The pieces are clearly labeled A through Z and are meant to be put together in alphabetical order, which reinforces alphabet learning, as well. After each step was completed, I would ask him what was next, and he was able to tell me what to.

By age 4, Grant could put these models together by himself. Even though we have built them over and over again, he still enjoys building and playing with them. We have never lost or damaged any pieces. They are durable, even in little hands, and reasonable priced. If you're looking for something a little more difficult than building with blocks, but your child isn't quite ready for an erector set or regular legos, this toy is a great option!