Our son Marcus showed an interest in science and engineering at an early age, and so our family frequented science museums. It was at one around 2009 that Laura and Marcus discovered Keva planks. These 4.5-inch maple blocks are precision cut such that each is exactly the same size and weight. That’s it. They don’t lock together like Legos, they don’t have special parts for different functions like other building sets, and yet the sheer amount of things you can do with them is only limited by your imagination and the number of planks you have. Laura bought some for Marcus, a single bag of about 200 planks. Of that early experience, she eventually wrote:
The other day I walked into my son’s room to marvel at whatever he was doing besides getting ready for the day, and I commented on a simple but gravity-defying block creation he had next to his bed. “What’s that?” I asked. “Oh, I was just doodling,” he replied. Doodling. It had never crossed my mind that one could doodle in 3D, but there it was. Doodling is the mind seeking creativity while it is occupied with other things, and it is through this kind of accidental, non-goal-directed play that some wonderful discoveries are made.
Laura found herself experimenting with the Kevas and eventually registered the email address kevachick@gmail.com. She designed and delivered a series of classes for different age groups that allowed kids to explore and learn basic engineering concepts related to weights and forces. As demand for her classes increased and the enrollment and sessions increased, the collection grew. More sessions for homeschool coops—need more Kevas. Sessions for Karate students—need more Kevas. Summer camps, church groups, birthday parties—Kevas, Kevas, Kevas! She amassed a collection of over 3000 Kevas and turned so many kids on to the idea that that you could play with learning, experiment with building, and create with whatever materials you had on hand.
Laura was never more compelled to the teaching facet of her life as she was when she was teaching with Kevas. She saw something in the way kids play with them that presented an opportunity for both educational and creative play, as well as a family bonding opportunity, and she sought to make those opportunities happen for as many kids and their parents as she could.
The Keva classes I lead are an open opportunity for young people and their parents to spend a bit of time doodling–learning, exploring, and creating in an environment that values discovery, innovation, and risk-taking. Come build with us and see what you will create.