Bridging the Play Gap with STEM Kits

How donor-supported STEM kits at VPL are changing the game for local kids.

Toys are the tools of play. Play is critical to early learning.

Local families rely on the library for free access to inspiringl earning materials which can be prohibitively expensive.

Thanks to community supporters like you, VPL is now offering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) kits at branches.

For many families, finding engaging, developmentally appropriate toys for their child can be challenging. This is especially the case for children with neurodivergence, as traditional toys often fail to capture their unique interests and needs.

This was a reality for Paulina and her son aged 3, who is in the process of being diagnosed with neurodivergence. Ordinary toys didn’t hold his interest.

Before discovering VPL’s STEM kits, most days Paulina struggled to engage her son. He was bored and frustrated and their days felt much longer and more difficult.

The VPL’s STEM kits offered a life-changing solution for Paulina’s son.

These kits include a curated collection of high- quality toys, puzzles, and games designed to ignite curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Unlike conventional toys, these kits cater to diverse interests and developmental needs.

Paulina’s son’s interest was quickly captured by a programmable robot mouse, which is now one of his favourite toys. It requires simple coding and problem-solving skills that have him totally absorbed. The robot mouse is something he can keep coming back to and enjoy.

Without the library, Paulina’s son would not be able to access these types of toys.

While shopping together, her son excitedly spotted the same robot mouse in a store. However, Paulina was disheartened by its high price.

Although she was unable to purchase the toy for her son, Paulina reassured him by reminding him they could play with it later that day at the library.

Paulina shares, “A lot of the toys are expensive for parents. For kids who don’t like ordinary toys, [the STEM kits are] amazing.”

She appreciates that she can always say “yes” to her son at the library.

Thanks to your gifts to VPL, these STEM kits ensure that every child, regardless of financial circumstance, can access high- quality educational play.

Your support bridges educational gaps, empowering children of all abilities to excel in an increasingly digital world.