Many parents are on the lookout
for educational toys. The reasons for this are varied; some parents find that
they want their "money's worth" in the toys they buy, and find that
educational toys last longer and hold children's attention longer (even for years).
Others choose educational toys as a way to jump-start learning and give their
kids the best start in life. Some educational toys can be used to help children
with disabilities as well.
What constitutes an
"educational toy"? Generally, educational toys have learning as their
primary purpose. While a child can learn through free play with random objects,
educational toys often have a particular agenda such as learning colors, the
alphabet, or how electricity works.
Examples of Educational Toys
Some examples of educational toys
include the following:
* Wooden building blocks - Did
you know these are considered educational toys? Many of us grew up with these
sturdy toys that teach young children important concepts such as spatial
relationships, three-dimensional shapes, and the principles of building.
Alphabet blocks are helpful in learning letters; children will recognize the
names and shapes of letters when it comes time for school.
* Models - Learning to build
model airplanes, boats, cars, and so forth is quite educational. Children learn
how things go together and fit, not unlike a three-dimensional puzzle.
* Puzzles - Speaking of puzzles,
these are considered educational toys as well. They are said to improve
hand-eye coordination, enhance problem-solving skills, and sharpen fine motor
skills.
* Musical instruments - Children
tend to gravitate toward musical instruments, and learning to play an
instrument can help children learn discipline and foster a sense of
achievement.
* Electronic and science toys - From learning about how electricity and circuits work to building a motor, this category of toys teaches children the principles of science and may help them with learning across the spectrum.
What are the Best Educational
Toys for Babies and Toddlers?
* Activity tables - These
engaging toys are rated as top toys for toddlers.
* Refrigerator magnets - Believe
it or not, there are singing magnetic alphabet letters for kids to use on the
refrigerator! Children can form words with the magnets and learn the names and
sounds of letters.
* Wooden toys - Generally
speaking, wooden toys have advantages over plastic ones. For one thing, wooden
toys do not contain any BPAs or other dubious or harmful chemicals used in the
making of plastics. For another, wooden toys tend to last a long time - even a
lifetime - and can be passed on to another generation.
* Art supplies - Clay,
watercolor, pencils, markers, and so forth enchant many a toddler and help them
learn as well.
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/b/c/