Toy distributor Modern Brands is bringing popular educational American label, Roominate, to an Australian audience.
Roominate was developed by two female Stanford engineering students who saw a major gap in the market for building toys aimed at girls. After comparing stories on why they had pursued engineering, Alice Brooks and Bettina Chen realised they had both been inspired by childhood toys, and wanted to make something that would encourage more girls to take an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) areas.
In 2012 they developed the world’s first wired dollhouse building range, which encourages children to design, build and wire a variety of structures using motors, light circuits and modular furniture building pieces. This type of play develops spatial and problem solving skills, creativity, and encourages confidence with technology.
Candice Novello, brand manager at Modern Brands, says Roominate has the right mix of technology, creativity and open-ended play ability to ensure it will be a success in the Australian toy market.
“Whether girls dream of building a rocket ship or creating a three-storey dollhouse complete with working elevator, Roominate allows for endless creative possibilities and it’s sure to be a big hit among parents looking to educate through playtime,” she says.
The range will include the Ruminate Château, Helicopter and Studio, along with accessories packs. The toys will be in stores from June.
