| Choosing the best toys for kids can be fun. But | | | | encouragement to get outdoors and be active. On |
| beyond fun, toys offer children a whole host of | | | | the other hand, if the child is as busy as a little bee |
| learning experiences. To help kids develop, grow and | | | | and rarely sits still, initially introducing quiet activities |
| learn, it is important to provide them with learning | | | | that take only a few minutes to do, and gradually |
| toys that best meet these developmental needs. | | | | presenting some that are more time-consuming, will |
| Here are ten tips to help you pick out the best | | | | help develop the child's ability to concentrate. Keep in |
| learning toys for kids: | | | | mind that it is completely normal for young children to |
| 1. Look at every toy as a learning tool. When | | | | have short attention spans. Attention spans increase |
| choosing a toy, consider the child's potential learning | | | | naturally as a child develops. |
| experience while playing with this particular toy. Does | | | | 6. Encourage independent play. Some of the best |
| it encourage skills that are valuable to the child at this | | | | learning toys are those that children play with on their |
| stage? Is it the best toy for the child at this age? | | | | own. As kids play and figure things out on their own, |
| Visit the Learning Centre to learn more about | | | | they not only develop independence, they also learn |
| age-appropriate toys for your child. | | | | to solve problems, creating a sense of satisfaction |
| 2. Make sure it is fun to play with. Children are | | | | and pride. Puzzles and building blocks are ideal for |
| naturally attracted to toys that can teach them | | | | developing independent play. |
| something. If a learning toy is also fun, a child will | | | | 7. Select open-ended toys that a child can play with |
| want to play with it more often and for longer | | | | in several different ways . Toys that allow for |
| periods of time - the best of both worlds. | | | | open-ended play help children develop creative |
| 3. Choose the correct level of complexity. Help | | | | thinking and imagination and keep children interested |
| children build confidence and self-esteem by choosing | | | | for longer periods of time. Discovering new ways of |
| toys to help them feel successful. The best toys will | | | | playing with an old toy can sometimes be as much |
| have a level of difficulty that is challenging enough to | | | | fun as getting a new one. |
| require some effort, but not so difficult as to be | | | | 8. Help children develop social and communication skills. |
| frustrating or intimidating. Remember, a little work on | | | | Look for learning toys that promote cooperation, |
| their part results in a greater sense of | | | | sharing, and turn-taking. For little ones it may be toys |
| accomplishment. And determination to succeed is | | | | that encourage any kind of group play. For older |
| greatly enhanced when a child feels confident about | | | | children these valuable skills are easily encouraged |
| their chance of success. As they get older, they will | | | | with board games. |
| learn to stick to a task until it is completed even | | | | 9. Promote fitness and overall health. Toys that get |
| when difficult. | | | | kids moving and burning energy are exhilarating. |
| 4. Match toys with the child's interests. Children's | | | | Developing confidence in their muscle strength, |
| preoccupations differ. Some kids love to make | | | | coordination and balance gives kids a leg up when |
| believe, turning every toy and object into something | | | | attempting unfamiliar physical tasks. |
| else. Others are focused on the real world, wanting | | | | 10. Keep other family members in mind. Is there a |
| to do 'real' things with 'real' tools. Still others are | | | | baby or toddler in the house? If so, watch out for |
| fascinated with how things work - absorbing every | | | | toys consisting of small parts. Are there other |
| detail and tidbit of information, dismantling toys and | | | | children that may want to join in on a group game or |
| objects to try to better understand the world around | | | | activity? Do Mom and Dad have time to help with |
| them. Knowing a child's interests will help you to | | | | instructions or provide guidance to accomplish a |
| choose the best toys. | | | | particular creative project? Choose games and |
| 5. Consider the child's attention span. Kids who can sit | | | | learning toys that take family dynamics into account. |
| and draw or do puzzles for hours may need some | | | | |