Educational Toys for Kids

It is said that 'children are like wet cement, whatever falls on them makes an impression'. We make the best of our efforts to give a child a healthy and nourishing environment. No stone is left unturned while we take care of this. Toys have always earned a dainty place in your kid's room right from the day he is born, or even before that. Toys are fun and entertainment for the kids. What makes educational toys different from normal toys. The debate still continues that educational toys are simply toys, but the former gives the child a chance to make an effort to learn and develop. They also give the child an insight of the learning process. Playtime is always fun for the kid. This is when he actually relaxes, is stress free, and is eager to understand the world around him. Introducing toys that will develop the creative, intellectual and social skills, along with emotional and self learning development, plays an important role overall. With the world getting faster and the demands for overall intellect getting higher, most of the parents opt for educational games and toys for kids that will give the child both worlds of education and fun.

Types of Educational Toys

Most kids have a mix of toys, that is educational and other fun toys as well. We cannot deny that even if a toy is not specifically educational, the child draws at least some individual or social value out of it, which may help him understand, interact and grow. I have compiled a list of toys in hierarchy of the child's mental and physical growth.

Toys for Babies

• Babies are the most keen to learn and are full of curiosity. It is said that the first 3 years of the baby is the time when his brain develops.
• Babies are more sensitive to the five senses during this time. Introducing them to toys that will please these senses will interest them the most. Bright toys with bold designs and contrasts stimulate his visual development.
• Toys with sound like music and rattles also attract the baby. Some toys come with music and words, they can help in the vocal and hearing development in the baby.
• Babies are good palpable learners, they learn through the touch. Introducing books or toys with different textures will surely attract the curious mind of the baby.
• Some toys like books and dolls are also designed with smell, this helps the baby relate the smell/aroma to the object.
• Though toys do not come with taste in particular, but the most common habit of babies is to put things in the mouth.

Toys for Toddlers

• For toddlers the variety of toys widens with their physical and mental development. This phase marks off as the foundation of learning in the child.
• Though the toddler might still be attracted to some baby toys because of many reasons, it is normal for the toddler to do so.
• Some classic toys like shape sorters, blocks, counters are great to boost the creativity, learning and construction, and motor skills.
• Blocks and shapes can be used to teach the toddler names of shapes, colors, symmetry, etc.

Pre School and Above

• A child develops the basic co ordination of hands and eyes during this time. He is introduced to alphabets, numbers and language.
• He also develops a rudimentary individual identity and needs more sophisticated toys. Introducing these kinds of toys will be an insight of the lessons he will be learning in school, which will definitely help him grasp more and faster.
• Wooden blocks, interlocking toys, alphabet puzzles, legos will develop patience, understanding basic science, etc.
• Children in school can learn with construction sets with motors and moving parts. It will help them connect with the working environment.
• Educational science toys for kids in this age helps the child understand the surroundings and environment better.

Toys that help the child learn and connect with his interests should be around always. Musical instruments, color books and games, etc., help in developing the finer skills in the child.

List of Educational Toys

Educational or Informative toys play a vital role in promoting the child's creative skills, in developing physical, social and language skills. It builds healthy personalities, emotional well-being, intellectual thinking, and leadership skills. Following is a list of the best education games and toys for kids.

Toys for Babies

• Stacking toys
• Pop up toys
• Musical toys, squeeze toys
• Rattles
• Picture books
• Infant swings

Toys for Toddlers

• Simple puzzles, shape sorters, peg boards
• Blocks, stacking rings
• Crayons, markers, and clay
• Movement games
• Picture and coloring books
• Large lacing beads

Toys for Pre Schoolers

• Simple board games like Candyland, Whac-A-Mole
• Storybooks
• Large bead threading and lace sets
• Puzzles
• Puppets

Toys for School Kids (6 to 9 years old)

• Simple model and craft kits
• Building and construction sets
• Board games
• Books
• Memory games

Toys for Pre Teens (9 to 12 years old)

• Card and board games
• Model kits/science kits
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Arts and craft kits
• Books

Get your child a balance of all the virtues of development through toys. They are one way your child will never feel bored to learn from.

Tips to Remember

When buying toys for kids, picking up the good ones will be a task. These simple tips can help you at such times.

• Select toys that will properly suit your child's age.
• Do not insist on buying expensive toys only, a child learns through the simplest of the toys.
• Understand the interest of your child. For example, if he likes video games, get him video games that are educational and will help him develop.
• Toys that you buy should be safe.
• Opt for toys that are easy to handle, and that can be handled by your child by himself also.
• The child should enjoy playing with the toy, it should help him learn, become responsible and independent.

Educational toys for kids have made a place in every kids treasure. Toys after all are an inseparable part of childhood. Give your child the chance to explore the best of his capacities.