K'Nex - Build A Bunch

30 models and 66 pieces in one box!

K'NEX Build a Bunch is another great construction toy from K'NEX. K'NEX pieces are made from brightly colored plastic and are well constructed. Most of the pieces are more pliable than Lego pieces, which are hard plastic. Many pieces have to be pushed in from the front/back, or top/bottom and "pinched" together. Like most construction sets, it does take some strength to snap the pieces in and out of place.

This set comes with funny features such as big googly eyes, curly tails, and wings. This is a good value, as this 66 piece set comes with ideas for making 30 different models (see image below)! Some models may need to be disassembled before making other models as they may use some of the same pieces.

A single sheet shows all 30 completed models and does not show a step-by-step process. It is harder to assemble this way than from a step-by-step guide, as you will have to determine where to start and how to proceed, and you may not be able to completely see all pieces or how they hook together.  They are not labeled or sequenced by difficulty.

This is not how all sets come, as my older K'NEX sets do have pictures in booklets instead of on a single large sheet, but still no step-by-step guides. Be creative and let your imagination run wild!

If you would like more information about construction set, read my post Building Skills With Construction Toys.

Try this:

• Give time for free play at the beginning so that the person can examine the different shaped pieces and how they snap together.
• Ask the individual to pick up the model when possible and hold it in one hand while adding pieces with the other hand so that both hands work together while adding pieces.
• Hold the model in the non-dominant hand and pick up the correct piece in the dominant hand, setting up a natural opportunity to manipulate the piece in-hand for placement. 
• Turn pieces on the table so they are not in the correct orientation. Ask the individual to pick up a piece and turn it in-hand to the correct orientation.
• Set a piece, or only a few pieces, at a time in front of the individual to cue him which piece(s) he will be placing next. It can be difficult to look at a completed model and determine where to start and/or how to proceed. 
• Give the beginner one piece at a time as he needs it and point to the piece on the picture to direct where he should place it. Or gives clues such as 'let's add the wheels next', or 'now it's time to add the wings'.
• Cover the part of the model that you are not working on to reduce confusion or to direct the building sequence. 
• Keep the unused pieces in a pile so the child will have to search for each needed piece. Turn some of the pieces upside down or half bury them under other pieces so they will look different from the picture.
• Add a piece while the individual watches if he gets stuck. Then take the piece off, turn it so that it is not in the correct orientation, and hand it to the individual to add back on.
• Advise the child to hold the model in the same orientation as the one in the picture to aid in orienting pieces.
• Have fun building your own creations. Describe them, name them, talk about the different body parts and how they will get around.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, visual form constancy, figure ground, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, coordinated use of both hands, in-hand manipulation, finger/hand strength, motor planning, executive functioning skills, sequencing, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation 

In the box: 66 pieces, pattern sheet
Ages 3+, 1 player

If you are interested in purchasing this set or just want more information, click on the image below.