Learning is not only fundamental - it can also be just plain old fun! Educational
toys have so many benefits to a child’s life and growth; after all, your child’s
playtime is his or her first real learning experience.
Once a child reaches infancy, he or she is ready to begin the learning process.
Your child is probably already making connections between colors, shapes, words
and pictures; toys that reinforce these connections are beneficial as your child
learns language skills and begins to associate objects with their appropriate names.
Picture books, toys that talk, and toys with shapes and bright colors are best at
this age.
During the preschool years, your child is ready to begin learning his or her “ABCs”
and “123s.” Toys that can be counted, toys that teach the alphabet and each letter’s
various sounds, and DVDs or CDs that promote and encourage these skills are bound
to be lots of fun for your child. This is also a particularly creative time for
children of preschool through kindergarten age – big trains and cars (make sure
they do not contain small pieces that can create a choking hazard!), puppets, blocks
and puzzles will captivate their imaginations. Additionally, pretend play toys –
such as play kitchens or tool sets – teach children real world skills while playing.
Interactive toys are the name of the game as your child begins school. Children
from age five to eight will enjoy games that allow for hands-on practice with reading
or math skills, as well as craft activities and toys that teach about scientific
concepts. Children age eight and above will be attracted to kits that allow them
to make a finished product, such as arts and crafts, writing, or bead and jewelry-making.
Another clever way to combine education with enjoyment is through electronic games:
your child will love the technology, and you’ll love that they are learning while
they play.
The toys we buy should be fun for our children. If not, our children will tire of
them quickly, and then we have wasted our money! Stick with brands that have been
in the business of educating and entertaining children for a while, and make sure
the toy is durable and safe. Combining learning with fun can be easy, and your child
will thank you for it later!
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