Choosing an educational toy for a child doesn’t have to be hard but we do need to make sure it is high quality and appropriate for child’s age. There are a huge number of toys to choose from so how do we choose ones that are, not only of educational value, but also fun for the child. It’s no good providing toys that the child isn’t going to play with for long! We’ve put together some ideas in this article and you can also see more at Top Ten Educational Toys for Toddlers.
There are many toys that are perennial favorites, such as Lego and simple wooden building blocks as well as sophisticated, electronic toys that reward the child with music, sounds and lights. They are interactive and teach the child letters and numbers in a variety of different ways. Musical toys that play classical music are also a great idea for young children. Recent research has shown a link between listening to classical music and improved spacial skills and learning a musical instrument has even more beneficial effects. Other benefits of these interactive toys is learning logic and cause and effect as he is rewarded by performing a specific action. See some ideas for musical toys at Top Ten Musical Toys for Kids.
Toys that can be pulled or pushed such as the Plan Toy Dancing Alligator Pull Toy or the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Frolicking Frog are perfect for a child who is learning to walk. They encourage coordination and are fun to pull around.
Sophisticated, electronic toys are fun but don’t discount some of the simpler traditional toys. A wooden wagon filled with alphabet blocks is still a popular toy for toddlers and provides many different educational opportunities. Imagination is encouraged as the wagon can become a farm wagon for the child’s animals, a delivery wagon or anything else the child can think of! The blocks can be used for building and to start to learn letters and simple words. A simple toy with hours of fun that is a valuable learning experience.
Newer electronic toys also have their place in a young child toy box. One very popular one is LeapFrog Text and Learn which is ideal for teaching letters and numbers to a young child. They can learn to text using the QWERTY keyboard and, if they also have LeapFrog’s My Pal Scout they can text Scout and even see his planner on their Text and Learn handset. Leapfrog also make a range of very good quality educational toys for children from about six months upwards.
Another long time favorite are ABC puzzles. All children love puzzles and they can have fun while learning their letter. Learning Resources Woodshop Toys ABC Puzzle Blocks are beautifully made from natural wood complete with a box for storage. Best played with a parent who can teach the child to sound out the letters and show him how to make words.
