Childhood is a time for fun, learning, and exploration. With the wide variety of educational toys available today, these activities don't have to be mutually exclusive. Look to manufacturers such as Fisher-Price and Playskool, as well as Montessori and others. These companies sell toys that will help you develop a creative child's imagination, or teach counting and alphabet recognition, through innovative and exciting play.
Infant toys
The first year of a baby's life is one of rapid growth and learning. During this time, a baby explores the world using his or her five senses, and toys such as music boxes, activity gyms, and play mats will help accomplish this.
Choose mobiles or stuffed animals with bright colors to catch a baby's attention. Buy toys with unique, interesting sounds. Baby Einstein offers a wide variety of toys that meet these needs, as does Gymini.
During the latter months of the first year, babies start using their hands more, and become intrigued by stacking toys or building blocks. Durable books are also a favorite. Some parents start introducing their babies to the LeapPad products during this time as well.
Toddler fun
As toddlers begin to walk and move independently, they continue the rapid exploration of their world through musical toys and crayons. Many also start to enjoy solving simple puzzles that have oversized pieces.
Legos or other building toys are also excellent choices for teaching coordination and creativity. Once a child learns to keep toys out of his or her mouth, Play-D oh offers a creative way to build and learn colors.
Many families are bilingual, so bilingual toys are often a helpful way to help children relate in two different languages. One example of this is the Bilingual Elmo, which features recorded phrases in both English and Spanish.
Preschool or kindergarten choices
During the preschool years, children will usually benefit from educational toys that are more advanced. Examples of these include electronic games that focus on number and letter recognition.
V.Smile offers an entire learning system with a wide variety of video games that teach exciting educational lessons. A portable version of this system is the V.Smile Pocket. A similar learning system is manufactured by Leapster L-Max.
The preschool years are a time of creativity and imagination, so teaching children to experience nature through junior cameras or toy binoculars offers them a chance to learn using toys very similar to the adults and older children they long to mimic. Toy cell phones, radios, or magnet games are also fun and educational.
During these years, children also develop more muscle strength and enjoy playing outdoors on climbing gyms or in playhouses as well. Later, teach them to relax and get ready for a quiet time with floor puzzles manufactured by Melissa & Doug.
Toys for the elementary school years
During the elementary school years, children continue their exploration of their world as well as the world of the adults around them. Encourage their curiosity about the natural world with telescopes or magnifying glasses that are age appropriate. Help them to learn about the larger world through the use of map games or talking globes.
Choose from a wide variety of toys that promote reading skills and encourage math skills. Word games, toy cash registers, and other learning systems offer innovative and enjoyable ways to increase their proficiency without making learning boring. Consider a Pentop Computer or LeapPad Learning System and place a wide variety of interactive learning opportunities at a child's fingertips.
Encourage creativity and industry through Erector sets or jewelry kits. Many school-aged children also enjoy building model airplanes or experimenting with chemistry sets. All of these are designed to make learning fun.
Addressing special needs
Some children have developmental or learning delays that make learning more challenging. Sometimes, age-appropriate toys may not yet be right or safe as a result. Keep in mind that, while some toys can be specially developed and sold for special-needs children, this isn't always a requirement.
Sometimes, consulting with the specialist who is working with the child can offer insights as to what toys might be best. In general, however, consider safety first when buying toys, and look for toys that best help to address the child's unique needs.
A few basic guidelines may help to make the selection process less difficult. First, children with hearing difficulties may benefit most from toys that provide volume controls and high-pitched sounds. Fisher Price offers an Activity Table called Brilliant Basics that offers musical sounds and visual stimulation.
Children with sight impairments may prefer toys with mirrors, high-contrast colors, or extra-large letters or buttons. Sometimes creative toys that are realistic, such as Little People toys, made by Fisher Price, are also excellent choices.
Children who have speech impairments can practice speaking with a Teaching Telephone, which is manufactured and sold through Learning Resources. Alternatively, they may prefer the TuffStuff Tape Recorder sold by Fisher Price.
Children with learning impairments may require toys that feature simple designs and creative play. The extent of the learning impairment will often determine the appropriate level of toy. Don't assume a child is incapable of learning, but don't frustrate him or her with toys that are too advanced, either.
Don't focus solely on a disability, however, when selecting toys. Consider the child's preferences and ability to manage despite the impairment as well. Choose a variety of toys that promote enjoyment and education.
Toys have gotten more complex and varied as the adult world advances technologically. While the latest and greatest toys can be fun, though, remember, that sometimes, just putting on mommy's old dress or daddy's old hat and playing dress-up is almost as fun as playing with the latest electronic toy. And for babies and toddlers, sometimes the box is even more fun than the toy!