Do Educational Toys Educate?

With the digital age upon us it can become very easy for parents – caregivers to invest in the multitudes of CD’s and DVD’s that claim to be educational. Although they may not be harmful per se, research reveals that the majority of them are entertaining and not educational even when advertised as having an educational curriculum. Why is this? Because many of them are passive and do not require any interaction. It is experience through interaction that stimulates positive growth. With all the media that is available for children it is important that parents – caregivers take a closer look at what their children are exposed to.

Children from infancy – 6 years of age are by design curious. This leads them into a realm of exploration in all that they do. Parents and caregivers can capitalize on a child’s curiosity simply by introducing into their play time educational toys that will challenge them in any of the six major developmental areas; physical, social, emotional, language, creative and cognitive skills and development.

So it is important that parents – caregiver help their children early so that a firm foundation for learning is established. However, keep in mind that your child is growing and learning so when looking into educational toys during this holiday season check to be sure that the toys are neither beneath nor above your child’s ability to advance. Also what ever toy you may purchase, do not just put your child in a room by themselves to play,. The best toy purchased this holiday season is the toy that invokes interaction between parent – caregiver and child. It is during this type of interactive play that your child will benefit most no matter how good the manufacturers claims may be.

Are All Educational Toys Educational? (Part I)

Children from infancy to six years of age will experience some positive growth and development with almost any toy that they engage during playtime because their brain is being stimulated and is gathering information with every experience. This is why parents – caregivers should seek advice from a pediatrician or an educator who specializes in early childhood education and development as to what toys will be best suited for their child. In doing this parents – caregivers will discover that the best educational toy is not what a manufacturer may claim, but the one that works best at stimulating interaction with them and their child. Toys are not a substitute to keep children busy by themselves, but an avenue to support loving, caring interaction and relationship building.

Here a few ideas that may help you when looking for educational toys for your child…

• Look for age appropriate toys that will challenge their imagination. Problem solving helps prepare them for real life situations
• Look for toys with your child in mind. Like everything else, trends find their way in the toy market also and may not be suitable toy(s) for your child
• Do not fall prey to claims made by advertisers. Many educational toys have greatly improved in recent years, but some are more entertaining than educational. A little personal research on your part can reveal a lot.
• Safety first. Is the toy safe for your child? Remember 1 – 2 year olds like putting things in their mouth
• Stay away from any toy that promotes even the slightest hint of violence or negative social behavior
• When in doubt, seek the advice of a pediatrician or an early childhood education and development educator – specialist

With the 2009 holiday season quickly approaching many parents – caregivers will purchase toys for their children. However, while choosing toys that will aid in your child’s educational development, it is important for parents – caregivers to keep in mind, their personal interaction with their child is the best gift that they can give.