Question 1

What's in the name?

Accepted Answer

"My little one loves hands-on activities and I've been looking for a great learning kit that's meaningful, fun, inclusive and educational. What do you think I should get?" 
"DatBox of course!"
"Huh? What box?"
"That box!"

Wondering why we're called DatBox?

That's because we're that box that you and your little ones need and want - a one-stop multidisciplinary learning kit where fun and learning meet in what we call 'hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on' activities.

Question 2

What age group are DatBox learning kits designed for?

Accepted Answer

Our learning kits are designed for little ones aged 4 to 6 years old. Younger little ones may require more parental assistance / supervision when reading or working on the activities while older little ones may be able to enjoy our learning kits more independently.

Question 3

Do DatBox learning kits follow Singapore's primary school syllabus? Can they give my little one a headstart in primary school?

Accepted Answer

DatBox learning kits may explore areas and themes that are also found in the Singapore primary school syllabus, like Forces and Plant Systems in Science; Fractions and Geometry in Math; vocabulary and hybrid texts in English; experimenting with mixed media in Art or searching and creating digital content in ICT etc.

However, DatBox is NOT designed to be substitute materials for primary school education or intensive academic-driven tuition resources. We want to share with the little ones a diverse range of subjects, skills and activities that are fun and help them engage with the real world, not just what lies in the textbooks!

Question 4

What is included in a DatBox learning kit?

Accepted Answer

Each learning kit contains:
1) a hardcover picture storybook for little ones aged 4 to 6 years old following the adventures of Koji, the little puppy;
2) a multidisciplinary and informative magazine with 6 to 8 chapters and more than 10 activities centred around the box's theme; 
3) carefully curated materials for bringing these activities to life;
4) bonus worksheets, an Invitation to Play and much more!

Question 5

What's an "Invitation to Play"?

Accepted Answer

An Invitation to Play is an early childhood approach from the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

It refers to a play set up that aims to spark little ones' curiosity and creativity through careful selections (and arrangements) of open-ended materials without specific instructions or goals. It's a great way to encourage independent thinking and problem-solving.

Each DatBox learning kit includes an Invitation to Play related to the theme of the box so you don't have to go out of your way to plan and set up one.

Want to find out more about Invitations to Play? Check out our blog!

Question 6

I know you're called DatBox but I don't want a whole box! Can I just buy the storybook,  magazine or some materials?

Accepted Answer

That's for sure! But our learning kits are designed to be a complete package and they are best experienced as a whole.

However, you may purchase our picture storybook and magazine separately in our Shop. We also occasionally offer refills, additional parts or bonus materials that supplement different learning kits.

Question 7

What if my little one finds some activities too challenging or too easy?

Accepted Answer

DatBox learning kits contain a variety of activities designed to cater to different skill and interest levels. Your little ones may find certain activities easier or more difficult, and other little ones may feel differently about the activities too. That's okay! Easier activities can help little ones build confidence and independence while more difficult activities can encourage problem-solving, critical thinking and persistence.

If an activity appears too challenging, you can simplify it by focusing on a certain skill or area of interest; break it down and make it more relatable to your little ones with our 'Questions to Ask' sections; or provide parental assistance (which is a great way to spend quality time as a family too!).

If an activity seems too easy, you can introduce additional challenges with our 'Explore More' sections, our bonus activities or scale back the parental assistance so your little ones can try it on their own!

Question 8

Can my little one complete a DatBox learning kit without any help from me?

Accepted Answer

DatBox learning kits are designed for little ones aged 4 years and above. Little ones can try working on activities independently by following the step-by-step instructions and reference photographs in the magazine. However, as with any learning that takes place, little ones may need some guidance and encouragement - perhaps a vocabulary word is too tricky, or cutting an abstract shape requires a little more practice. Some activities encourage interaction between parents and their little ones to strengthen bonds and family ties.

And of course, we do NOT recommend parents to leave your little ones working unsupervised, especially when handling sharp tools like scissors and knives, hot surfaces or other materials that need extra care. Your little ones can definitely enjoy a DatBox learning kit on their own, but it’s always a good idea to check in and make sure everything’s going smoothly!

Question 9

Are DatBox learning kits safe for little ones?

Accepted Answer

At DatBox, we're committed to using materials that are suitable for little ones and prioritize quality and safety. DatBox learning kits may contain small items NOT suitable for little ones aged 3 and below and we do NOT recommend parents to leave your little ones working unsupervised, especially when handling sharp tools like scissors and knives, hot surfaces or other materials that need extra care.

If you have any questions about specific items in the kit, feel free to contact us at sharewithus@datbox.sg for more information.

Question 10

Do I need any extra materials to use a DatBox learning kit?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes! Unfortunately, DatBox learning kits are NOT all-in-one learning kits. As part of our sustainability efforts to reduce waste (and unnecessary clutter for parents!), our DatBox learning kits do NOT include basic stationery or craft materials that you might already have at home (e.g. glue, scissors, tape, cooking utensils etc.).

If you do not have these materials on the ready, or if you would like to get a convenient, kid-friendly and kid-safe starter pack filled with all the things your little ones can make ‘magic’ with, then check out our DatBox starter kit in our online Shop (Coming Soon!).