Toys and kids simply go together. And you may think that toys are just about play time and having fun. But so much learning can be sneaked in to this, their favorite pastime. Motor skills and math are the more obvious learning objectives when it comes to toys, but they can also learn science, social studies and technology. Here are some ideas for toys that can teach as well as entertain.
- Blocks. My number-one favorite toys. With blocks kids can learn math: two little blocks equal one big block. And as Seth discovered early on, two triangular blocks equal a square! They can learn science: size and weight, cause and effect, incline on a triangular block, etc. A great way to learn shapes and colors too. As kids get a bit older, have them build a little city with streets, and provide car, people and tree props. This way they can learn about cities (social studies!), and you can even have them draw a map of their "city" and learn to navigate the map (great concept to learn). An awesome activity to do: Draw out a plan on paper of a building you want to build out of blocks, and have your toddler build it by following the plan. (Ex: bottom row: two red square blocks, three green rectangular blocks...)
- Puzzles/shape sorters. Classic toys for developing motor skills and observation skills. Kids can learn to match objects and look for patterns.
- Nesting boxes. Motor skills practice, sequencing: Biggest, smaller, smallest.
- Beads/peg boards. Great activity for fine motor skills and patterns/sequences. Also great for sorting. Possibilities with these toys are endless.
- There is an infinite number of endless categories of immeasurable kinds of lots and lots of toys out there. As I come across a toy we love, I'll put it on the list. But one thing I try to stay away from: noisy, electronic toys. Bad for the kids, and bad for Mommy's nerves.
by Diane Trister Dodge, Laura J. Colke. See Resources for details.
