Educational Toys: Loved By Kids and Parents Alike
If you have kids (or even if you don’t), it’s relatively evident that no two children are the same. They don’t all have the same interests, they don’t all like the same toys, and they definitely don’t all learn in the same way. As adults, we need to encourage our children to enjoy learning, and it’s our job to figure out which way will work the best. One of the best means for us to encourage this striking of a creative chord is with educational toys.
First, let’s start with music. Music itself speaks to so many, and instruments help to develop necessary skills and confidence, and are a fabulous means of creative expression. Younger children will adore kazoos, maracas, and other “controllable” instruments that shake, rattle and roll. As they get older, throw in guitars, recorders and other “detailed” types of instruments that require a bit more skill.
Animals: Insect kits like ant farms, ladybug kits and butterfly environments provide children with the opportunity to learn the responsibilities necessary to care for animals and pets as well as to see what goes on in the daily life of such living things. With a butterfly habitat, the caterpillars arrive separately via mail so your kids can watch them grow, spin their chrysalides, and turn into beautiful butterflies.
Pretend Play has been a popular choice of both parents and children alike for generations. Kitchens, cooking and baking toys have continued to encourage creativity among future chefs and soccer moms and dads picking up a quick, yet somewhat healthy dinner for the family. Unfortunately many of the large corporate companies are trying their best to “brand” many of these types of toys to include their name, titles and logos throughout these pretend products, so keep your eyes open for the “unbranded” products.
Brain-teasers and multi-person board-games that make you think are once again gaining in popularity. These games help to develop critical math and logic skills. The ability to think quickly and under pressure is a large part of high school, college and the real world-working environment, so learning these skills during the elementary education years (and even earlier, if possible) will increase a child’s ability to problem-solve later in life.
Finally, electronic toys have been pouring out of the woodwork for a few decades now, but more recent advances have brought an educational focus to this genre of gadgets. Interactive play combined with learning and entertainment is a great recipe for educational toys in the new millennium.
About the Author
Lisa Legrange recommends that you visit http://www.wonderbrains.com/ for more information on educational toys.
Mental Floss and Best Friend Guess Who
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Galt Toys Marble Racer Pinball $34.99 From a school book seller in 1836 to a brand leader of quality developmental and creative products for children in 2009 Galt maintains a brand heritage in the U.K. as illustrious as Elmer s in the U.S. Galt toys are designed to meet each stage of a child s development by encouraging learning through play. The award winning Soft Play range continues to expand bolstered by the success of the innovative Playnest and Playnest & Gym. And the construction range of products features some classic favorites and some new soon to be favorites. Galt products are rigorously tested against toy safety regulations and are quality controlled to meet the highest standard. Distributed in over 50 countries Galt is an excellent addition to Elmer s robust specialty toy offering. The pinball racer has two exciting lights and sounds pieces a pinball dish and winner s podium. See the flashing lights and hear the electronic sounds as the marbles are bounced about in the pinball dish. Hear the cheers as the flag rises and the marbles enter the winner s podium. |
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