Sago Mini Toolbox
Empowering play with tools and projects lacks logic.
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Sago Mini Toolbox
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sago Mini Toolbox is another offering from the Sago Sago team. As with all their apps, this is a very simple, highly interactive game designed for young kids. In this installment, kids use virtual tools to build various projects: It's important to note that kids need decent fine motor skills to manipulate the tools. One character farts as it waits to be tapped on to build a project -- kids likely will find this hilarious. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What’s It About?
To begin using SAGO MINI TOOLBOX, scroll through 15 projects and tap to start building. Drill holes with a power drill, use a ruler to mark where to make cuts on a piece of wood, twirl a wrench around to tighten bolts, or hammer in nails. To make each tool work, kids will tap, drag, swipe, and hold. Then celebrate the completed project and a job well done with the super cute characters. Projects include fixing a tricycle and inflating the tires, building a doghouse, putting together a swing set, and more.
Is It Any Good?
Sago Mini Toolbox will definitely draw kids in and give them some simulated time with tools, but it's a bit lacking in logic and depth. It features the impossibly cute family of Sago Sago characters and has many interactive features, sounds, and visual effects that are sure to delight and satisfy young kids. Kids will get a kick out of using power tools such as saws and power drills that they're likely not allowed to handle in real life, and they'll love virtually making things. However, tool interactions seem illogical and divorced from the final result, which kids can't play with. An explicit connection between each step and the final project might make the creation seem less magical but would add a more grounded sense of accomplishment. And, why not let kids play with, or at least take a picture of, what they build? This app is fun and easy to use; little kids likely will love it and will get some satisfaction from using tools. Yet there are some missed opportunities to make this a richer experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the names of the tools and what each tool does. Help kids see the big picture and talk about why each tool is useful for that particular project.
Read the notes from the developer for discussion tips and inspiration for making connections.
Direct building projects with kids. Let kids help in as many ways as they can from designing, to building, to enjoying the final product.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
- Subjects: Hobbies: building
- Skills: Creativity: imagination
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: May 14, 2015
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Sago Sago
- Version: 1.2
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later
- Last updated: January 11, 2021
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