Model Building is a Fun and Rewarding Hobby for Kids of All Ages
Why should kids build models?
Model building is a great hobby for anyone that loves using their hands to create something truly impressive. If you enjoy following blueprints and putting things together yourself, the model building hobby may be ideal for you.
Model kits come with a large number of very small pieces that are made of high-quality materials such as metal, plastic, and sometimes even wood (typically balsa wood). They also incorporate glass (i.e., for windshields), rubber (for tires), and other appropriate materials (according to the project being built). Models are generally held together by glue, screws, and even small nails, and individual model sets come in a variety of different skill levels (from 1-5) that become increasingly more challenging as one ascends the ladder of difficulty.
Models differ from other types of build toys, such as LEGO and K’Nex, in a variety of ways. For instance, the pieces in a model kit do not follow a standard shape and/or system of attachment, the kits themselves lead to very specific builds, and many (if not most) model kits require at least some painting to achieve the desired result. Model building is a great solo activity, but it can also be done in collaboration with friends and family members (such as a father and son building a model ship together). It’s also a great rainy-day hobby, when staying inside is preferred to going outdoors.
Build nearly anything you want
Model building is a truly diverse hobby, with available kits covering a multitude of different design projects at a variety of very specific size scales (anywhere from 1:10 to 1:2500). This means that kids and other model hobbyists can build cars, trucks, boats, planes, heavy machinery, farm equipment, and commuter trains and busses, just to name a few of the many possibilities. Within these umbrella categories exists even more specialization. For instance, in the category of cars and trucks, users can choose from modern and old-fashioned vehicles, race cars and hot rods, and even motorcycles and monster trucks. No matter where your interests lie, there’s sure to be a model kit available that will capture your attention and imagination.
Other benefits and advantages of model building
Building models is not merely fun—it’s also highly educational. For instance, model building requires patience, planning, logic, and problem-solving skills to successfully complete a project. It also requires considerable attention to detail, which helps to develop one’s focus and concentration skills (something that’s sure to come in handy in school when it’s time to study for tests and exams). Model building also helps with the development of fine motor skills and increased dexterity, and it promotes spatial play, which helps to teach spatial perception (the spatial, or positional, relationship between two or more objects). Though somewhat of an abstract concept, spatial skills (like spatial visualization and mental folding and rotation) are crucial for a variety of important life activities, such as driving a motor vehicle.