After watching them work through both styles, I can clearly see that miniature DIY kits are much more beginner, and child , friendly than the full wooden ones, which feel closer to ROKR builds (even this ones are Rolife). With the bonsai, they’ve already had a few pieces break when trying to press or remove parts that weren’t placed correctly. It requires much stronger spatial awareness, as well as being very careful about following each step in the exact orientation, like knowing which direction the tree is facing before adding a branch.
They also need a looooot of organization and good visual recognition of the pieces, something that is still developing at their age. If you look closely at some of the photos, you’ll notice that several parts aren’t fully pressed in. I actually had to tighten all the bases myself because they kept falling apart and the kids no longer knew how to rebuild them properly. I also had to sand down a couple of pieces whose tips had become slightly damaged after being placed in the wrong spot and then removed.
At first glance, this kit looks easy, and when I step in to help, it feels simple to me, which the kids even pointed out: “When you do it, it looks easy!” But for them, this bonsai has turned into quite an interesting challenge.
Next time we work on it, I think they’ll finally be able to finish. Now that everything is properly tightened and the misplaced pieces have been corrected, I’m confident they won’t need much more time.
Thank you so much for sharing all the details about the Evergreen Bonsai~ You’re truly an inspiring teacher! Your guidance and passion really shine through, and we appreciate you taking the time to share the happiness with us.
Great job to the kids! It must be a good exercise in problem solving when working on a kit that is a little more difficult! Kudos to you for helping them through their build journeys!
Thank you so much! Yes, this kit has definitely become a great problem-solving challenge for them. It’s amazing to see how they push through the tricky parts. I’m really proud of their effort!
I’ll never ever get tired of reading your Little Builders posts! They bring a lot of joy and warm, truly.
I’m loving the Evergreen Bonsai challenge you’ve come up with for them! It seems like they’re facing a challenge in the best way possible, and it’s an interesting and original way for them to start facing problems they’re not sure how to deal with, while working together to accomplish something they may not do on their own.
Thanks a lot for sharing! looking forward to Round 3 already.
Ohhh, thank you so much, @TheToday!!
It makes me so happy to hear you’re enjoying the Little Builders posts. This whole experience is incredibly special for me too. The Evergreen Bonsai is really challenging them, but they’re facing it with so much enthusiasm and teamwork that it’s a joy to watch.
I can’t wait to see how they progress next time… and I’m already excited to share Round 3!
Seeing how they’re doing, I think the next post about this kit will probably be the last one of it. And the best part is that the ones who are finishing first are helping those who still haven’t, which I think is fantastic
The truth is, they’re doing an amazing job working together. They’re helping each other so much, appreciating everyone’s work, and having an incredible time. It’s fantastic
, friendly than the full wooden ones, which feel closer to ROKR builds (even this ones are Rolife). With the bonsai, they’ve already had a few pieces break when trying to press or remove parts that weren’t placed correctly. It requires much stronger spatial awareness, as well as being very careful about following each step in the exact orientation, like knowing which direction the tree is facing before adding a branch.
looking forward to Round 3 already.
