Series: Make This Model Series.
Subject Areas: History, Art, Architecture.
Ages: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14.
Type: Cut-out Models.

Many children retain information more easily when they've been actively involved rather than learning passively - perhaps Peter Usborne had that in mind for these model kits. It’s also important to develop fine muscle skills (fine motor control) and this type of work can do that nicely. We’ve had each of our children make one or more of these kits as they were growing up, and afterwards we’ve noticed significant improvement in their coordination and ability to work on small items, and in their handwriting. I've even heard about one young man who worked on these models, who went on to become an architect!

Consider this article I came across: “...children need to be able to control the smaller movements of their hands and fingers. Control of these small muscles is important for children's handwriting skill development. Children are using fine muscle skills when they grasp, touch and feel objects of different sizes, textures and weights. Artistic play helps children develop both creative and fine muscle skills. These skills develop best when adults allow children to try things without being pressured to do them a certain way.” written by Ellen Abell, Extension Family and Child Development Specialist, and Muriel Azria, Extension Graduate Assistant, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Architecture has changed greatly through the ages and each particular era has its own distinctive building styles to identify it. Modern architecture is always borrowing from the past. If you pair one of these models with the appropriate period of history you are interested in researching, you'll have a lasting visual record of the era you studied. Here’s one idea: select one of the Usborne history titles and take turns reading aloud while two or more work on the model. . For example, to complement the Make This Medieval Castle model, read aloud from the Usborne Official Knight’s Handbook. It is hilarious with typical British dry humor, yet teaches loads of facts about living in that time period You could also use Knights and Castles from the Time Traveler Series, The Story of Castles, Castles (internet-linked), Beginners Castles (internet-referenced), Medieval World, and See Inside Castles ...

These beautiful, historically accurate kits are OO/HO compatible scale models, and each is very detailed. Included are figures of people, so children can see how citizens dressed and went about their everyday activities. The models can take a while to complete, but the results are very pleasing. Usborne model kits are frequently found in museum shops because of their fine quality. All that is needed for assembly is a pair of scissors or craft knife, and glue. The castle pictured above was made by my ten-year-old, all by himself. There are roofs that can be lifted off, nooks and crannies to see, and figures of people. Very fun!

The following are available:
Make this Model Medieval Castle
Make this Model Egyptian Mummy
Make this Model Wizard’s Castle
Make this Model Trojan Horse
Make this Model Apple Tree Farm (for young children)

Purchase

Of Interest To: Media Specialists, Parents, History and Art Teachers