| Games have always been one of the most engaging | | | | eye co-ordination. |
| and reliable ways to teach kids new skills and | | | | For older children, the award winning range from |
| reinforce them so they are not forgotten. Kids | | | | Thinkfun provides a great range of logic based toys |
| naturally want to play games so if they are able to | | | | that are designed to engage the brain, increase |
| learn something at the same time it can be beneficial | | | | concentration and problem solving skills. These games |
| on a number of levels. | | | | are commonly known as brainteaser puzzles and, like |
| In modern society the word "games" has become | | | | electronic games, can be played by one person. As |
| synonymous with computer games. And while | | | | with all brain teaser games, creative thinking is |
| computer games may have their strengths, they are | | | | required - these are not mere distractions or |
| not the only type of games to engage and educate. | | | | time-passers. |
| Board games, logic puzzles and educational toys are | | | | Their games are simple, self contained and ingenious. |
| designed to get kid's minds working. These games | | | | In Rush Hour, a popular example, a player must |
| also work a different art of the mind than computer | | | | move their car game-piece around a small board |
| games and can help with spatial development and | | | | packed with other vehicles and manoeuvre |
| dexterity. | | | | themselves from one side of the town board to the |
| For babies the learning company Lamaze introduces | | | | other. The player can set their own challenge level |
| educational toys for the youngest baby. Straight | | | | and, as they become more competent, the game |
| from birth their range of soft and colourful toys | | | | can become accordingly more difficult. |
| draws the interest of babies and starts to develop | | | | If you are thinking of a way to engage your child |
| their sense of hearing, sight and touch. | | | | beyond a flickering screen then you could also |
| As children of this age do not see very well, sound is | | | | consider jigsaw puzzles (try a puzzle with a picture of |
| emphasised and the different auditory responses | | | | your child's favourite character) or sandbox playsets, |
| generated by the toys can then begin developing | | | | mosaic creation kits, puppet theaters and many more |
| awareness, concentration and cause and effect. Their | | | | games that are designed to enhance your child's |
| toys cater for children from 0-2 years. Toys in the | | | | creativity and having something on hand before you |
| later years emphasise motor movements and hand | | | | "unplug" your child is recommended. |