A lot of people see toys as a simple way to keep their children entertained. However, toys provide much more value than just that. They are powerful tools that help children learn about themselves, their environment, and help them develop various skills. Experts say that it is through play that children develop their fine and gross motor skills, learn how to use their imagination, how to solve problems, and how to share and get along with others.
Gross motor skills are developed through grasping to climbing; fine motor skills when handling small toys and parts; imaginative skills through playing pretend; cognitive skill includes the ability to recognize colours and enhance kids’ attention span; language and social skills are developed when playing with other kids. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your child develop these fundamental skills. This is done through interaction, observation, and imagination. It is also very important to provide your kids with different kinds of age-appropriate toys for education.
Educational toys are the ones that give kids an opportunity to learn. These toys are designed to stimulate certain senses and promote learning in different forms. They are also, most importantly, fun to play with. Since toys for education are designed to teach, they are often created in a simple yet engaging manner. Here are some of the most popular toys for education that kids all around the world love.
Games
Kids love playing games, whether that’s traditional board games, puzzles, or some fun games on their tablet. Although too much screen time isn’t good, there are many educational games and apps online that can be beneficial for children. Electronic toys can provide educational interaction and learning activities in a fun way, without having to set up a board with a lot of small pieces to play.
Puppets and Plush Toys
I’m sure you have seen kids carrying around their fluffy teddybear many times. It is common for children to become attached to their stuffed animals and parents can use this in a way to teach their little ones some things. When kids talk to their toys, they learn how to deal with emotions and gain language and relationship skills. Puppets are classic fun. By playing with puppets, children can learn to act out feeling and role play. Highly used in therapy sessions, puppets also provide children with a low-tech way to recreate their favourite stories.
Dolls and Action Figures
Playing with dolls encourages various skills, such as hair brushing, getting dressed and using buttons and zippers. Action figures also allow kids to play with their favourite characters while using their imagination.
Toys that Drive and Roll
Cars and airplanes, trucks and trains allow children to take their imagination on the road. Fun is guaranteed when playing with their mini hot-rods or riding their tiny tractors. Consider getting a road or railroad tape for your child to push (drive) their cars and trains on.
Realistic Toys
Instead of getting your kids plastic toys like a fake vacuum cleaner, get them a realistic toy. Good examples include a broom that is just their size and you can use to teach them how to sweep the floor or a kids-size shovel for helping out in the garden. You can also consider getting them a small version of a baking set like a mini dough roller, measuring cups, and some small bowels. That way, when you cook, they can help you with their small appliances.
Dramatic Play and Theme Sets
Dramatic play and theme sets provide children with a pretend setting for real-world situations. Toys such as ATM machines, grocery store cash registers, play doctor sets and play food sets are all fun and educational. These toys help kids understand the world around them and motivate them to learn more about real-world situations.
Dress-Up Play
Costumes and masks are the funniest for make-believe. For instance, ballerina costumes for girls and superhero costumes for boys take them directly into the pretend realm.
Musical Toys and Games
Musical toys that play and sing soothing melodies of classical composers can stimulate your little one’s brain development. Children of all ages enjoy games that also move to music and light up. New technology also allows kids to play music on video games, toy instruments and play notes, paving the way for learning to play real instruments later in life.
Building and Construction Toys
Lincoln Logs, blocks, Legos, Duplo, Magnetics, Playdough, YOXO, etc, the list goes on and on. Construction toys give kids the chance to make something out of nothing and that’s a great self-confidence booster.
Books and Brainteasers
Reading books for your children is one of the best ways for them to learn. It will allow them to interact and grow their imagination. Books have the power to take children to another world, to another time in history and can foster learning about specific topics that your child is interested in.