Shhh! Don't Tell Kids that Toy is Educational!

Articles on Toys | Topics: toys, toy

by Nehemiah Zimmerman

Have you ever went to you local general merchandise store and thought, "What toy can I buy that won't just take up more floor space in my child's room?" Likely you have at least once in your life. If you are looking for a toy that doesn't dominate your home and that is educational, try these toy choices. They are guaranteed to provide hours of fun and not take up more than a small space in your child's room or playroom.

Lego's

This company really hit the nail on the head when they made these timeless blocks. They're great! They work for ages 3 and up, but almost everyone loves to play with Lego's. Just make sure your child doesn't still stick things in their mouths or noses inappropriately. There have been many parents who have rushed their children to the ER because of a swallowed Lego. Another good thing about Lego's is that they come in different sizes. There are small ones for older kids and larger sets for younger children. Children have hours of enjoyment learning to put together small pieces that make their brains work overtime. They really make their imagination go wild.

Sing-Along Books

Books are one thing that almost all children love, no matter how old they are. The fantast and creativity in books keep the imaginations of children alive and thriving. Sing-along books are the perfect way to add even more excitement. The books sing when you press buttons on them. They let the child sing, which helps with creative art development as well as memory. These toys are also great for traveling. You can fit them in your car easily. Not only will your children love reading them while in the car, but you will love the peace and quiet they bring to your trip as well.

K'Nex Sets

These fun kits come in a handy container and can be put together to make many things. You can literally make anything from a beetle to a car. Parents can help their children make toys for hours with these interesting pieces. It's the perfectly fun way to you're your child develop hand-eye coordination, which is really great. Let the child take smaller pieces and put them together to make something. They will be so proud knowing they created something all by themselves.

Bit of History

If there is a species which is more maltreated than children, then it must be their toys, which they handle in an incredibly off-hand manner.... Toys are thus the end point in that long chain in which all the conditions of despotic high-handedness are in play which enchain beings one to another, from one species to another—cruel divinities to their sacrificial victims, from masters to slaves, from adults to children, and from children to their objects.

—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)

Baby Dolls

Although you might not think so, baby dolls are very educational. They teach children about the real world. They give the girls countless hours dreaming of being a mother one day. Baby dolls can be taken anywhere and are often looked at by children as friends. They may be comforted when they sleep with them, especially if they don't have siblings. They give children the joy of having something to take care of. Taking care of their doll teaches them responsibility. It is great to get a child a doll before their parents have other children. When they do have a sibling come along, then it isn't quite an adjustment for them.

Coloring Books & Crayons

Whoever invented these was brilliant! They give children a chance to learn colors, as well as allow them to experience and express their creative sides. Coloring books give them a chance to learn shapes as well. When they focus on trying to stay "in the lines", they are learning fine motor skills and discipline.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a great learning tool for children. Children use their heads when they play with these. They really concentrate when trying to find the correct pieces. It also teaches them how to fit shapes and objects together to make a picture. They are also perfect because you can find them for different age groups. There are simple wooden puzzles for young children and more complex puzzles, with more pieces, for older children. Even adults love to put together puzzles!

Toys teach children things like responsibility, creativeness, independence, and sharing. Toys give children hours of joy and entertainment, but can also be very educational. Experts say that children learn more through playing than anything else. It is simply how their minds work. If you want your child to learn a skill, simply make it into a game and watch them soak up the knowledge.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Shhh! Don't Tell Kids that Toy is Educational!" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by ToysGiftsPresents.com.

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