A Plus Educational Toys Blog

Are You Listening?

2011-05-18T13:11:00.001-04:00

Research has discovered that “Attention Deficit Disorder” (ADD) affects approximately 20% of Americans and is generally discovered in 8 – 10 year old children. College instructors report their frustration with college students who exhibit limited concentration, usually about 15 minutes due to what is being called “Commercial Gap Syndrome”, a modern term for Attention Deficit Disorder, derived from extensive TV time where commercials interupt programing every 10 - 15 minutes.

Knowing this information, one of the first things that a parent can do is to purposely spend more time "playing" and interacting with their children and less time sitting in front of a television. Researchers say that educational toys are a great tool for parents and caregivers to use during a child's daily play time rather than television. There are numerous resources that parents can use which promote educational play as well as various developmental activities.

As parents devote their time in the education and development of their children by introducing educational toys into their daily activities and play time, they and their children will reap the benefits for years to come. Parents must remember that their child's educational and developmental future lies in their hand. So why not make an investment as early as possible in your child's life helping them to unleash their potential to become as successful as they can possible be.

Times are Changing for the Good

2011-05-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

It has been said, “Children are a heritage”. Heritage is defined as; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor. (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) By definition it is easy to understand why there are so many struggling children in our educational system today. However, there is good news in all of this. There is a new generation of women who are choosing to be homemakers. Many are choosing to quit their jobs, even influential and high salary jobs, to stay at home and raised their children. Census bureau statistics show that there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home moms in the last 10 years.

There is also an upward trend among parents of introducing educational toys into their children daily play time that are specifically designed to foster cognitive and social skills as well as provide a foundation for sound physical and mental health. Although virtually any toy that a child engages will aid in their developmental training, educational toys by design, challenge critical thinking, expand imagination, enhance motor skills and promote learning while having fun.

The benefits of educational play during a child’s early years can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing. As more parents grasp the idea of educational play as well as increased personal interaction with their children, we will all enjoy the benefits. It is much wiser and cost effective to invest into a child’s life today than to address the problems that could have possibly been avoided later in life.

Taking Care of Business

2011-05-07T11:46:00.000-04:00

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that the number of stay-at-home moms is increasing each year. However, stay-at-home moms aren’t the only ones concerned. According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, "stay-at-home" dads numbered 189,000. Although this number does not compare to the approximate 11 million "stay-at-home moms" the trend of one parent staying at home and raising their children is on the increase. Many parents like yourself are genuinely concerned and are taking control of their children’s future.

Because there is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child, parents need to know that a child’s brain development is most affected from infancy – 6 years of age. It is also the ages in which parents will learn and understand their child’s individual abilities and capacity for learning. By introducing educational toys into daily play time, not only will parents be making crucial investments of quality bonding time with their children, they will also be preparing their children for what lies ahead.

Research shows that educational toys are a great resourse for the development of a child's educational and developmental success. Advances of any society depends upon a parent's desire and ability to foster the health and well-being of their children, the next generation. In other words, parents have a responsibility to their children to prepare them for what lies ahead. So spend much time with your children, introduce educational toys during interactive play and you may have the Nobel Prize winner.

Food for Thought

2011-04-28T19:20:00.000-04:00

One of the greatest mishaps that have happened in the United States especially among the “boomer” generation is the thought that more money makes for good family life. Their certainly is nothing wrong with parents pursuing a better life for themselves and their children, but money will never take the place of a parent devoting daily time interacting with their children. It is never too late to shut down the excessive television viewing or turn off the excessive video gaming and spend time interacting one on one with your children. One great way to build in loving relationship building is for parents and or caregivers to introduce educational toys into their child's play time and also not allow their child excessive television time.

According to an October 1 2007, CBS News report, researchers found that children who watched more than two hours of television per day from age 2 1/2 until age 5 1/2 were more likely to develop sleep attention, have fewer social skills and develop aggressive behavior problems than those who watched less. The report also reveals that parents need to monitor their children's television use, especially during the early childhood years. There are ways that parents can help their children become successful adults, but they must start from the time their children are born.

Educational toys act like food for the brain. Nerve cells called neurons connect to each other to make circuits that enable the brain to think, do, and experience more things. The more that a child's five senses are stimulated the more these connections in the brain are established. With the exception of tasting and smelling, educational toy are designed to provide multi-sensory stimulation through hearing, seeing and touching. So grab the educational toys and starting feed your child's brain.

The Wonderful World of the Brain

2011-03-29T13:55:00.001-04:00

Brainstorming is defined as; a technique of solving specific problems, amassing information, stimulating creative thinking, developing new ideas, etc.

Studies indicate that the brain region that helps children sense and interpret the world around them is dramatically affected by early childhood experiences. Most researchers agree that the early years of a child’s development are the most critical and it is during these early years that educational and developmental skills prepare children for their future.

The truth be known, any toy that a child engages during playtime as well as every experience they have does affect and develop the brain. However, educational toys because of there interactive nature, when introduced into a child’s playtime contribute to their cognitive skills.

Even babies, although they do not play very much, still need to be introduced to the world around them because their gross motor skills begin to develop as well as their senses. But toddlers are in an entirely different world. Toddlers begin to quickly learn about the world around them. Their curiosity causes their imaginations to grow, eye hand coordination develops, verbal skills increase, logic helps them with problem solving, they learn to socialize with others and accomplish individual achievement. So hand out the educational toys and let your child's brain grow!

Educational Toys do Have a Lasting Effect

2011-03-17T16:18:00.000-04:00

From the time a child is born, parents enthusiastically wait for the day that they witness the "Developmental Milestones" of their child. The joy that parents experience the first time that their child rolls over, crawls and then begins to walk will most likely be shared with everyone they know. These milestones are all signs of a child's physical development as well as the maturation of their brain.

A CBS News Report entitled "Baby Toys Have Lasting Effects" reveals that a Stanford University School of Medicine researchers study indicate, "the brain regions that help children sense and interpret the world are dramatically affected by early childhood experiences, and educational toys that stimulate young minds and encourage them to explore the world in a new way may help build their brain for future tasks".

With that said, we now see that educational toys can play a major role in the development of fine motor skills for children from infancy to 6 years of age. The various shapes, colors and design configurations stimulate and challenge eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, shape and color recognition, depth perception as well as language development, all while having fun.

How the Years go by

2011-03-07T12:33:00.000-05:00

Parents using daycare facilities for there children while they work is certainly an asset in many cases. In years gone by, my wife and I on many occasions would help a single mom by having a child stay with us, some times over a weekend. Today these children have children of their own and interestingly enough after 30 years we occasionally receive comments of the impact my wife and I have had in their lives. But even relationships like these can never take the place of the unique bond between parent and child. One of the things that we did that seemed to have a lasting effect was to provide each child with the various educational toys that our children used during some of their playtime.

The benefits of introducing educational toys into a child's the playtime during their early developmental years can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing. As more parents grasp the idea of educational play as well as increased personal interaction with their children, we will all enjoy the benefits. It is much wiser and cost effective to invest into a child’s life today than to address the problems that could have possibly been avoided later in life.

Brainstorming

2011-02-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

Research reveals that a child’s brain development is most affected from infancy – 6 years of age. It is also the ages in which parents will learn and understand their child’s individual abilities and capacity for learning. To be more specific, a Stanford School of Medicine researcher reported that the brain regions that help children sense and interpret the world are dramatically affected by early childhood experiences and concluded that educational toys help to provide various experiences that stimulate young minds.

By introducing educational toys to your child during this crucial period gives your child's brain a "head start". Nerve cells called neurons connect to each other to make circuits that enable the brain to think, do and experience more things. The more that a child’s five senses are stimulated the more these connections in the brain are established. With the exception of tasting and smelling, educational toys are designed to provide multisensory stimulation through hearing, seeing and touching. So let's get started with interactive educational play and watch how educational toys will help your child begin to "brainstorm" at an early age.

Getting a Head Start

2011-01-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

With all the pressures that school districts place on teachers who then try to motivate students to do better it seems the more stress that students tend to have. Recently I had the privilege of address high school students with their thoughts concerning the High School experience. Unfortunately the majority said that it is a stressful environment where as middle school things seemed less stressful and they were able to produce higher academic scores.

Interestingly enough when addressing childhood activities the majority of students have had very little interaction with adults on an educational level. Most spend time in front of a television watching kids programs (not that they are bad) or play video games (not that they are bad). The thing that parents should try to grasp is that from infancy to six years of age a child's brain is like a sponge taking in information which will actually prepare them for their future. This is the age group where educational toys should be introduced into a child's daily play, not to play by themselves but to have adult interaction.

Adult interaction provides a means to challenge a child to explore the world around them as adults provide comments and questions that motivate a child's thinking process. Educational toys with adult interaction can provide a venue for learning while having fun. So parents, grandparents and caregivers start your children as early as possible with continuous interactive play experiences and they will be getting a head start with their future.

Flash in the Pan

2010-09-21T14:06:00.000-04:00

The saying, "Flash in the pan" is believed to have originated during the California Gold Rush of the mid 19th century. As prospectors panned for gold they became excited when they saw something flashing in the pan. However, their hope was soon turned to disappointment when it proved not to be gold but only a "flash in the pan." The phrase "Flash in the pan" is defined as "something which disappoints by failing to deliver anything of value, despite a showy beginning."

What is it that you look for when searching for products that you desire to purchase. Something of good quality or flash. Interestingly enough market researchers still draw a blank as they continue to develop advertising strategies for the consumer to purchase various products. There is a basic pattern that consumers tend to follow in the process of making a decision to purchase...

Problem recognition: The consumer perceives that he has a want or need
Information search: The consumer seeks information to help determine how this want or need might be met
Alternative evaluation: Reasoning made by the consumer as to whether they will or will not purchase a particular product
Purchase decision: The stage of the consumers buying process when the purchase decision is actually made
Post-purchase behavior: The activities and experiences that follow a purchase

Although consumers may follow this pattern many variables still come into play. For instance, auto dealers say that the majority of people that are serious about making a purchase spend about 10 percent of their time considering all the features and about 90 percent of their time on appearance, especially the color. However, when the same individual make a decision on purchasing an appliance almost a complete opposite may apply. Why? individual interests, understanding and attitudes become a major factor.

The consumer must be interested in the product and that the product is relevant and able to meet their need. Once interest is in a products is established, the consumer must be able to understand why and how the product meets their need. Finally, the consumer must be persuaded that the product will meet or exceed their need which is to have a positive attitude towards the product.

So when searching for the right educational toys to purchase, quality will always supersede flash. Consumers, especially parents and caregivers should avoid spending a lot of time on considering the flashy features of an educational toy and spend more time in researching the quality and benefits that will meet the needs of their child. A little research will go a long way and will save consumers money in the long run. Remember, "something which disappoints by failing to deliver anything of value, despite a showy beginning" is certainly not what any parent or caregiver would want for their child.

Don't Stop Playing

2010-09-02T12:42:00.001-04:00

How much time do you purposefully spend playing with your six month to six year old child? Believe it or not over the last two decades child's play has decreased 50%. However, years of research has shown that during early childhood stages of growth, children develop skills that they can only get through play. Early childhood play is also crucial to the physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development at all ages, especially from six months to six years of age.

The decline of early childhood play can be linked to the pressures that have been place on educators and parents mainly through policy makers that early academics will lead to a greater success in life. Although some studies conclude that some children may benefit from a greater diet of academics than play, it is not true in most cases. Some of the problems that research has discovered in the study of academia vs play is that the lack of self-initiated forms of play, imaginative play, the development of social skills and loving interactive play have actually resulted in a higher level anxiety and negative attitudes in children. Research also reveals that children who have had a large portion of play time removed from their daily schedule and have had it replaced with academic studies, in most incidences, show little to no advantages in reading and math achievement over children who have a fair amount of daily play time.

Another thing to consider, play is motivated by pleasure not pressure and it cannot be legislated because it is a natural response that opens the door to early childhood development. This is where educational toys play a major role in both academic and play time for children. Educational toys provide a venue for children to expand their imagination, enhance their motor shills, increase their curiosity, stimulate their creativity, and promote learning while having fun. They also promote interaction between adults and children. Research shows that learning is enhanced when adults participate in daily play with children.

As children play, their young minds are stimulated which encourages them to interact and explore the world around them. Their play is actually preparing them for future tasks and adulthood. Another benefit of introducing educational toys into a child's daily play time during their early years is that they can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing.

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.
--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Are Your Child's Toys Safe?

2010-08-19T15:50:00.001-04:00

Educational toys are one of the best ways to facilitate the educational and developmental growth of a child as well as promote strong relationship building between parent and child. However, when choosing a toy(s) for a child, there are three things that consumers should keep in mind before purchasing any toy. Is the toy(s) safe, affordable and age (developmental) appropriate.

In today's toy manufacturing market, government regulations and improved safety standards have made most toys safe when used in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. However, although regulations and standards for toy manufacturing has improved over the years, parents and caregivers need to take note that this does not mean that a toy is safe. To determine a toy safety considerations should be made as to how much uses or abuse the toy may experience as well as how the toy is to be used for its optimum enjoyment. Also keep in mind that toy safety goes beyond its basic construction. For instance, some toys may pose an emotional or social risk which also renders them unsafe, such as violence and or negative racial, ethnic, cultural or gender overtones. The toys that parents and caregivers permit their children to play with good or bad will play a part in the development of their child's value system.

Next, children do not need expensive toys although the expense may reflect the effectiveness as well as its appealing properties to keep a child engaged over a period of time. There is no benefit for child or parent whether a toy is expensive or inexpensive if the child loses interest in a short period of time, which brings us to the toy being age appropriate.

Age appropriate toys are toys that will challenge a child without frustrating him/her or cause the child to lose interest because he/she has developed beyond the toys capability to challenge their thinking and or motor skills. They are toys that not only cause children to use their current skills, but also aid in developing additional skills. An understanding of which toys are appropriate for which age is useful when purchasing toy, so if parents and caregivers are not quite sure as to which toys are safe, affordable and age (developmental) appropriate, they can consult a pediatrician or an educator the specializes in early childhood education and development.

There is great power released for brain development through positive daily interaction with your child. Educational toys can provide children with vigorous physical activities as well as social and emotional development as parents and caregivers provide quality experiences through interaction. Creating opportunities that will challenge their imaginations and cause their creative juices to flow with toys that are safe, affordable and age appropriate will open the door for your child's future success.

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The Technological Explosion

2010-08-13T12:10:00.007-04:00

With the release of so many toys and videos in today's consumer market that claim to have educational and developmental qualities for children, consumers should do some research before accepting toy manufacturers claims. A little research can reveal a lot about a products potential educational and developmental benefits as well as whether it is age appropriate for a child.

Do not be surprised that even some of the television programs that your children watch as well as the numerous DVD's and video games, known as "screen media," are not educational at all but tend to only mesmerize or what is said in more modern terms, cause children to "zone out" rather than educate them. For some time now we have been experiencing great technological advances. Interestingly enough, as electronic technology advances the age of children using this technology has dropped considerably. Research reveals that the use of consumer electronics among children reaches all the way down to infancy. This is not a bad thing per se, but developmental science suggests that children from infancy to two years of age are most vulnerable to negative effects such as aggressive behavior, various fears or phobias as well as sleep disturbances due to exposure to various screen media.

Parents should keep in mind that critical brain connections are produced in children from zero to six years of age. During this age parents and caregivers should provide the necessary interaction through play to optimize the brains development. Because screen media does not provide this, researchers state that the risks of exposing children from infancy to two, to screen media far outweigh the benefits and so recommend parents and caregivers against its use. For children from age two to six, the use of screen media can be used but should be limited to one to two hours a day. However, parents and caregivers should keep a close watch for any negative behavioral reactions that their child may begin to develop.

The benefits of educational play during a child’s early years can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing. As more parents grasp the idea of educational play as well as increased personal interaction with their children, we will all enjoy the benefits. It is much wiser and cost effective to invest into a child’s life today than to address the problems that could have possibly been avoided later in life

Let's Make Pretend

2010-08-05T14:01:00.003-04:00

Pretend play is a very important of healthy childhood development. It is known to researchers as "Sociodramatic Play" or "Imaginative Play". It is a type of free play in which children engage in creative and imaginative social interactions. Pretend play has been shown to effectively promote the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in children especially with autistic children.

Parents, teachers and or caregivers should create opportunities for children which allow their imagination to be released. It is the place where children carry out action plans, take on roles, and transform objects as they express their ideas and feelings about the world around them. Pretend play challenges children to see new solutions to life problems. Researcher believe children that do not play and use their imagination regularly when they are young may grow into anxious, socially maladjusted adults.

Educational toys provide support in the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in children. They also provide a bridge for a child's interaction with parents or caregiver. According to an article by the "American Academy of Pediatrics" when adults participate in the play of children, learning is enhanced. Parents are able to observe the skills their child currently has and also help expand those skills.

When choosing educational toys that promote pretend play look for toys that reflect real life situations, such as a kitchen set, rocket ships, various vehicles, action figures, playhouses, various rockers, etc. Also be sure to check that the toy is safe for your child and that it is the right size as well as quality and durability. Be sure that they can stand up to heavy use because you don't want to restrict play in order to preserve a fragile toy. Then think about how it fits in his/her general interests. Most important, make pretend play an event for you and your child.

Look, Touch and Listen

2010-07-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

From the labor and delivery room you may hear the weak cries of a newborn. Cries that excite and light up the world of the new parent(s). From this moment on your child begins his/her journey into the world of learning and growing. Although all of your child's senses hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling and touching stimulate their learning and developmental growth, seeing, touching and listening are three senses that manufacturers of educational toys focus upon.

Although research has determined that newborns have limited focus, they do have the ability to see colors, though black and white seems to be the most predominate. With this in mind, it is no surprise that educational toy manufacturers design toys with bright colors.

Due to the nerve ending under the skin, touch is one of the first sense that a baby develops. As your baby grows, touch becomes an important sense that furthers their development. Touch stimulates neuromuscular development, nerve cell insulation, movement coordination and perception such as soft or rough. Educational toys that are designed to stimulate a babies sense of touch will have various textures for your baby to touch and explore.

Although at birth a baby cannot define sounds, his/her hearing is nonetheless fairly developed at birth. In fact a babies sense of hearing is more keen than an adults. Educational toys that play music, have soft tones or chimes play an important role in the hearing development of a child. A child responds quickly, once they hear musical notes or melodies by trying to reach in the direction of the sounds. Musical toys are also a great way to help in the development of your child.

In short, when searching for educational toys for your baby, look for these features; bright colors to see, various textures to touch and an array of sounds to hear. All of these are a great way to start your baby on the path to success.

Watch Them Grow

2010-07-19T08:05:00.004-04:00

It is very fascinating to watch children grow. Recently I was observing a 9 month old child scooting across the flood towards his play area where various toys were spread out for him to play with. Among the toys were a number of educational toys arrayed with wires, beads and other gadgets of various shapes, sizes and colors. For about an hour I watched him move from toy to toy engaging in the different activities that each toy provided and could tell by his movements, facial expressions and baby talk that his brain was being stimulated through playing.

Through years of research educational toys have been proven to aid in childhood development from infant to preschooler simply through play. There is a variety of educational toys for children in this age that are specifically designed and developed to stimulate and enhance your child's development through play. So one of the best ways to give your child's brain a head start when it come to healthy growth and development is by surrounding them with a variety of educational toys during their play time.

As research has discovered, start your child learning through play as an infant because the more stimulation your child has, the more connections are developed in their brain. The more connections that are developed in the brain, the better the brain develops. The better the brain develops, the smarter the child becomes.

The Incredible Imagination

2010-03-18T19:18:00.005-04:00

As a child grows so does he or her imagination. The imagination give us the ability to form mental images of thing and events whether reality or fiction. The imagination is also responsible for fantasy, inventiveness and creativity. It stimulates thinking by helping us develop a variety of possibilities and or scenarios to accomplish a given task, but also the imagination can be used to manipulate events to produce extravagant and unrestrained thought. Basically the imagination helps us understand, relate to and make sense of the world around us.

Children generally begin to use their imagination around 18 to 24 months. This is when their playtime enters into another growth milestone. Not only is imaginative or pretend play more prevalent but they begin to recognize pretending in others. Research reveals that some of the positive attributes of a child engaging in imaginative play are…

Their speech tends to develop at a faster pace…
Their vocabulary is richer and more varied…
They have an increased ability to entertain themselves…
They tend to understand their emotions and the emotions of others at an earlier age…
They are able to interact with their peers easier…
They tend to be more successful in school…
They become adults that are problem solvers, innovators and creative thinkers…

By introducing educational toys that promote imaginative play into a child’s playtime parents / caregivers are actually helping a child gain success at an early age. Children will not only share stories of fantasy, but will play act in the fashion that they interpret the world around them. Whether using a toy stove and acting like mom cooking dinner or using plastic tools and act like dad fixing the plumbing, imaginative play opens a child’s mind to the enormous realm of the “Imagine Nation”.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” (Albert Einstein)

Educational Toys: What to Look For

2010-03-02T16:05:00.002-05:00

Toys are the tools of play for young children. The types of toys and how they are used play an important role in your child’s development. Toys can actually provide avenues for parents, caregivers and children to interact. This of course is the best way for parents and caregivers to help their children learn and grow. When parents and caregivers participate in their child’s play, learning is accelerated because it opens doors that independent play may not.

So when looking for educational toys that will promote your child’s educational and developmental skills parents / caregivers should…

Avoid toys that promote violence…
Avoid toys that promote negative racial, ethnical or cultural values…
Avoid toys that discourage children from using their imagination…
Avoid toys with parts that can be swallowed…
Avoid toys with sharp edges…
Avoid toys that make loud or shrill sounds…
Choose toys that foster interaction…
Choose toys that are age appropriate and safe…
Choose toys that will help develop physical, social, emotional, language, creative and cognitive skills...
Choose toys that are not beneath or too advanced for your child…

The entire purpose of providing avenues for the educational and developmental growth for your child should not only be to prepare your child for the future, but for parents / caregivers to enjoy their child now.

Purchasing Educational Toys

2010-02-17T16:52:00.004-05:00

Most consumers can become overwhelmed when manufacturers list all of the features and benefits that their products have. For instance, when shopping for an automobile some of the features may be antilock braking system, three point automatic restraint system and power group. When shopping for shampoo the average consumer is not concerned with the features but the benefits, makes your hair silky, shiny and manageable. Either way there is a common denominator that the average consumer is motivated by when making a decision to purchase a product, their emotions.

One of the best ways to approach this is to make a list of each feature listed with the product. Then take one feature at a time and write next to it what benefits can be expected as well as what advantages the feature provides. Ultimately you are looking for what you gain from a specific feature, how that feature benefits an individual and what the benefits truly mean in the end results. This little system may prevent parents/caregivers from walking into a store or going on the internet to purchase educational toys that looks nice, may have many gadgets, may make many claims, but not have the intended benefits that you are looking for.

There is an important note for parents and caregivers to remember. When adults play an active role by participating in their child’s learning, not only will their child’s learning abilities be enhanced, but parents/caregivers will be able to observe the child’s progress and help them to expand their skills which will help prepare them for the future.

Do Educational Toys Really Educate? (Part II)

2009-12-14T12:24:00.003-05:00

As parents and caregivers make their annual pilgrimage from toy store to toy store this holiday season looking for that one toy that according to their child, they must have, it is important for them to know that there is no greater gift for their child apart from themselves. The most successful toy is the one that engages parent – caregiver and child.

When considering which toy(s) to purchase, decide what you hope that toy will accomplish. Is it for entertainment only or is it to help stimulate your child’s educational development. If it is for educating, then there are basically two styles that parents/caregivers may want to take into consideration, curriculum base or cognitive base learning.

Curriculum base toys are directed towards a set of subjects, such as math, science, etc. with the objective of increasing knowledge in a specific area by presenting facts and understanding concepts. Cognitive base learning is associated with a broader variety of mental processing, such as, analyzing various sounds, images and information, comprehending information, recalling information from memory, organizing ideas and the development of various physical skills.

The objective behind early childhood education and development through the use of educational toys especially at this early age is for parents/caregivers to provide their child with a wide variety of experiences through play. In doing so the potential for them to learn and grow in areas of logic and analytic thinking as well as the development of physical skills are much more challenged and enhanced.

But no matter how good a toy may claim to be, keep in mind these two very important tips when purchasing toys this holiday season. The more informed a parent/caregiver is the more success they will have with their purchases and whatever toy you purchase, your child will benefit most with your loving, caring personal interaction with them

Do Educational Toys Educate?

2009-10-30T12:35:00.002-04:00

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)

2009-10-09T17:31:00.003-04:00

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.

Loving Relationships Build Great Children

2009-09-25T16:35:00.011-04:00

Relationships play a major role in early childhood education and development which will have lasting affects on the outcome of every child. They will strengthen and build up a child’s ability to learn and control their emotions or they will weaken and hinder their ability to learn and control their emotions.

The first three years of a child’s life are very critical years. In their first year, their brain doubles in size and by age three it is twice as active as a mature adult’s brain. This is important for parents and caregivers to know because it is during this time frame that brain development is most active which will have a great impact on a child’s future.

Researchers have discovered that children who have been exposed to neglect, prolong stress and or abusive relationships at an early age have more difficulty coping with life situations. Studies reveal that children raised in this type of environment tend to be antisocial and have behavioral problems. These are the result of deficits in critical areas of brain development.

Raising a child can be a difficult task at times and parents as well as caregivers will make mistakes, but there is never an excuse for neglect and abuse. Let’s face it, a child will scrape a knee, hear their parents or caregivers argue and experience the ups and downs of life, but it is all a process which helps their brain to mature. So be positive, loving and caring, introduce educational toys into their daily play time and you will be helping them achieve greatness.

Positive Mean Plus

2009-09-17T15:30:00.004-04:00

Over 4 million children are born each year in the USA. From the moment that a child is born their brain begins to grow and develop to help them interact with the world around them. Although infants have a long way to go in both the physical and mental realm, their brain already has the capacity to let you know they have a need, it’s called crying.

Studies reveal that a parents/caregivers positive and quick response to meet an infant’s needs stimulates the brains neuronal connections and influences their behavior. Studies further indicate that the higher the quality of childcare, the greater a child’s educational and developmental skills will become and the fewer behavioral problems that occur in the future. Basically, children who have developed secure attachments with loving and caring parents and or caregivers early in life will be better students and be able to make positive social adjustments as adults.

Introducing educational toys to your child during crucial brain development periods gives your child's brain a "head start". Through educational play parents can connect on many developmental levels and allow their child to have many positive experiences while having fun. Investing in your child today will open the door for him or her to become a successful and productive adult tomorrow.

Your Child is Unique

2009-09-10T12:11:00.004-04:00

No matter what environment or experiences that parents provide for their children, there remains a constant variable in the life of every child. Children are unique and the way they relate to the world around them reflects their individualism. Although parents desire to see their children become productive and successful, not one parent can predict the type of adult their child will become. However, it is still critical for parents to provide numerous, positive and loving experiences for their children.

Children are more dependent upon parents and or caregivers for a longer period of time than another species on earth. Every species on earth within the first year of life becomes independent and no longer turns to another of its species for nurturing. However, children are quite dependent and look to parents and or caregivers for assistance, reassurance and help for many years. They need to experience security and have trust built in their lives beginning at infancy. They need to have a sense that they are loved, protected and provided for. It is within this type of relationship that their development flourishes.

So parents keep this thought in mind, early intervention in your child’s educational and developmental growth provides the stimulation their brain needs now for future productivity and success. There is great power released for brain development through positive daily interaction with your child. Provide them with vigorous physical activities as well as social and emotional contact. Create opportunities that will challenge their imaginations and cause their creative juices to flow. Introducing educational toys into your child's daily play provides and avenue for positive growth and development. Although you may not be able to predict how your child will turn out, your early intervention can open the door to endless opportunities for your child.

Challenging Your Child's Brain Development

2009-09-03T16:55:00.009-04:00

Your child began learning the moment he or she was born. Research reveals that a child’s brain develops up to 90% during the first six years of life but the first three years are the most important. In fact the first year of life a child’s brain more than doubles in size and by age three it is twice as active as an adult’s brain meaning that it has twice the amount of brain connections.

This is very important to grasp because parents, grandparents and or caregivers play an important role in early brain development which will have a great impact upon a child’s future. This applies to both positive and negative experiences that a child is exposed to. An environment for healthy brain development is created simply through daily play and personal interaction. Challenging a child’s sensory skills, seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting, balancing, and body awareness, supplies the brain with information so that a child can explore and interact with the world around them. One way to accomplish this is to introduce educational toys into your child's daily play.

There are no special tricks or formulas for helping children to become successful, productive adults. Just keep these simple but powerful developmental tools in mind, keep on playing, talking, reading and interacting with your child because activity, experiences and stimulation have a great deal to do with how the brain is “Wired”. Parents, grandparents and or caregivers can make a significant difference in a child’s early development. Don’t think you can, know you can!

Cognition; What does Your Child Think?

2009-08-27T15:57:00.009-04:00

Cognitive development begins at infancy and continues through adolescence to adulthood. However, the first six years of a child’s growth and development are the most critical. The first three years of a child’s life is a period of incredible growth in all developmental areas. By age three a child’s brain has produced billions of cells and has made trillions of connections between these cells called synapses, which allows the various areas of the brain to communicate and function together. Studies show that the development of a child’s brain takes years to complete, which gives parents a window of opportunity to help their child establish educational and developmental patterns that will stimulate a life filled with learning experiences.

Educational toys provide both parent and child an avenue of fun filled interaction. Research has found that educational toys specifically designed and constructed to encourage and challenge the development of educational skills of children, when introduced into a child’s daily play, can increase a child’s IQ up to 50 points. Many educational toys provide an array of activities to enhance a child’s physical development, social skill development, emotional development, language development, creative development and cognitive development.

It is the desire of most parents to have their child become the smartest kid on the block. For a child to grow in a proper manner both educationally and developmentally it is important that parents re-evaluate continuously how they can assist their children to become successful and productive adults. You don’t have to wait until tomorrow. Parents can begin today providing their children with the correct educational tools that can cause their child to become, “The smartest kid on the block”.

Releasing the Creativity in Your Child

2009-08-20T14:51:00.006-04:00

Creativity is essential as it provides a means for children to develop ideas and solutions for problem solving. When problems occur they do not always have an easy answer meaning that a solution may work at one particular time and although the circumstances may seem the same a new solution must be applied. Problem solving involves a creativeness that is flexible with the ability to adapt and apply thoughts and ideas resulting in a successful outcome. So when it comes to problem solving, children need to be challenged to make observations from various perspectives and to apply an array of solutions that they have developed through creative thinking.

Playing is important and the most natural way for children to learn and grow. Researchers have suggested that creative adults were most likely involved in imaginative play as children. Educational toys are an invitation to fun creative learning. They are an avenue to stimulate imagination as well as providing situations requiring problem solving. They open the door of socialization with other children which provides opportunities of how others think and feel. They provide a means of developing self-confidence as your child masters various ways to accomplish tasks which also builds their self-esteem. They are also useful in helping children discover various emotions as their self-expression bubbles forth.

Although we may take for granted such things as an automobile, a telephone, lighting and computers, it was the creative expression of ordinary people who broke the mold of popular thinking an achieved what most thought the impossible. But isn’t that the desire of all parents, that their children become more successful and productive than themselves? So parents help your child’s creative juices flow.

Building Your Child's Language Skills

2009-08-13T15:47:00.004-04:00

During the first six years of a child's life the brain is most affected as it grows and matures. It is during this age that Speech and language development are most critical. The Broca’s area and the Wernicke”s area are the two main areas within the brains complex structure that gives the ability to process words that are spoken and written.

Language development can be defined as, the expression and vocalization of symbols and sounds as perceived and interpreted by an individual through the growing and learning process. Early childhood language development has been studied for well over a century, and today still posses the question, “How are languages organized in the brain?” Although most parents are not seeking to find the answer to this question, they are actually the best candidate when it comes to developing their child's speech and language skills. Depending on your child's age, the object is to constantly make sounds, say words and speak in complete sentences to your child. A fun way to challenge your child in language development is to introduce educational toys into their daily play time.

Educational Toys are a way for parents to open the door to the wonderful world of communication to their child. The construction and design of educational toys for this age group have several attributes that parents will find helpful and fun that will stimulate your child to verbalize thoughts, ideas and even emotions. So parents spend plenty of time interacting with your children, getting them to talk-it-up and before you know it, your child will begin to impress you with their vocabulary.

The Emotional Development of You Child

2009-08-06T10:52:00.002-04:00

The study of the emotional development of infants and children although relatively new questions the idea as to whether they are learned, predetermined or a combination of both in determining a child's emotional experiences, behavior and personality. Emotional development can be defined as the process of building self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence as well as recognizing and understanding various feelings and emotions.

A child's emotional development begins at infancy and grows through stages. Because children differ in growth and development there is no set formula that can be followed. However. parents can recognize their child's emotional development and respond through positive interaction. For instance, infants between six to twelve weeks typically smile and makes cooing sounds in response to a parents smile and joyful play.

A toddler has a sense of self-awareness, they begin to recognize that those around him or her have thoughts and feelings that differ from theirs which helps them in the development of empathy. As a toddlers language develops they will express empathy by using comforting words or through endearing physical contact, a hand on the shoulder, a pat on the back or a hug.

Preschoolers begin to regulate their emotional behavior as their emotional development continues to advance. They begin to adjust or alter their emotional expressions, attitude, tone of voice and facial expression as well as internalize various emotions.

By the time your child is ready for school they have developed a greater understanding of their emotions and the emotions of others. Through life experiences they begin understand the causes and consequences of emotions as well as develop their own theories of why or how others experience various emotions.

Studies show that educational toys can be a great asset to the emotional development of children. Their unique design will benefit your infant to six year old especially in the areas of relationship building, working through challenges and problem solving, which can build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Parents are the key to their child's emotional development. No matter if you have one child, six children or more, all children need a sense of comfort, safety, love, confidence and encouragement. Teach your children how to build strong positive relationships, help them to develop empathy, compassion as well as a sense of right and wrong. Show them how to solve problems and deal with challenges in a positive manner and most important, encourage, encourage, encourage.

Helping Your Child Develop Socially

2009-07-30T14:14:00.002-04:00

Social skills are defined as, the ability to communicate and interact with other without conflict or disharmony. Social skill development begins at infancy and progresses through stages as a child grows. It consists of teaching children how to interact, share and co-operate with others, how to build strong relationships that will last as well as social etiquette and good manners. The proper development of social skills will lay a firm foundation for your child's future.

Playing is the most natural way that a child educational and developmental skills grow and flourish, so interaction between parent and child play a vital part. The parent/child relationship is the most natural for developing social skills because loving, sensitive parents are emotionally connected and are best at nurturing empathy, emotional self-control and communication skills in their children. However, this is all preparation for your child's interaction with others.

Educational toys provide many ways for children to sharpen their social skills. Researchers have determined that educational toys provide ways for children to work together, share, discuss ideas about how best to solve problems and promote healthy competition as they learn to enjoy the company of one another.

So parents spend daily time with your children and help them practice positive social skills. Remember to point out both positive and negative behavior. Patiently and lovingly discouraging the negative and rewarding the positive so your child will become successful, popular, be able to resolve conflict with others, do well in school and possibly be the one that others look to for help.

Your Child's Physical Development

2009-07-23T15:22:00.002-04:00

The physical development of of children is divided into two main areas, Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills. Motor skills are actions that involve the deliberate and controlled movements of muscles in the body. Gross motor skills are the large body movements that involve legs, arms and the entire body, these activities include crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing, etc. Fine motor skills involve more precise and smaller movements that involve hands, fingers, wrist, feet, toes and eyes, these activities include eye-hand coordination, grasping objects, stacking objects, writing, etc.

Although both areas of motor skill development is a continuous progression over time, educational toys can play a major role in the development of fine motor skills for children from infancy to 6 years of age. The various shapes, colors and design configurations stimulate and challenge eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, shape and color recognition, depth perception, language development as well as providing hours of fun filled learning.

Your Child the Creative Genius

2009-07-16T16:28:00.002-04:00

Early childhood education is basically defined as children learning through play. It is important that parents begin educating their children from infancy to six yeas of age by developing them physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually, creatively and cognitively. This may sound as though parents need an advanced education in early childhood development but this is far from the truth. Certainly knowledge of this caliber would be a great asset, but children in this age group actually learn through play.

The main thing that parents can do is spend quality time interacting with their children and introduce into their play various things that promote the following crucial developmental areas...

Physical Development: Developing fine and gross motor skills. Basically movement is the key, crawling, walking, running, climbing, throwing, touching and eye-hand coordination.

Social Skills: Teaching children how to interact with others, how to share and co-operate with others, how to build strong relationship that will last as well as social etiquette and good manners.

Emotional Development: Building self-esteem, self-awareness, self-confidence, recognizing and understanding various feelings and emotions and how to use them positively.

Intellectual Development: Develop the ability for children to understand and relate to the world around them as well as to differentiate fantasy from reality.

Creativity: Developing unique and special abilities and talents

Cognitive Skills: Developing the ability to learn and solve problems.

Parents can accomplish these various educational and developmental skills simply by introducing educational toys into their child's play. So parents, keep interacting and develop your child, the creative Genius.

Kids can Sometimes be the Best Judges

2009-07-10T07:28:00.005-04:00

Kids are fascinated and attracted to toys. Whether in a store, on television or through watching other children playing. Either way toys play a major part in a child's educational and developmental growth. However, a child's fascination for toy does not mean that all toys are good. How many times have you heard a child say while in a store or while watching television, "Can you get me that toy" or "I have always wanted that toy". Often times parents will purchase a toy for their child solely based on a fascination without finding out more information concerning the toy or not being able to discern between their child's fascination or true interest in a particular toy. The interesting thing is, it does not take long for a child to determine whether a toy is fun or boring, does it?

There are two things that parents can do that can help prevent them from purchasing toys that end up in the corner gathering dust. First, most toy manufactures as well as various news and consumer agencies use children to test toys. Parents can do a little research to find what toys are the most popular as well as age appropriate. However, parents must keep in mind that children have individual likes and dislikes, so this process will not always guarantee that their child will find a particular toy fun and entertaining.

The second way that parents can learn the difference between fascination and interest is simply by introducing educational toys into their child's lives at infancy. Research has shown that the brain develops at an incredible rate during infancy by increasing approximately 60% in size in the first year. So how does this give parents an advantage when it comes to purchasing toys that their children will enjoy?

Introducing educational toys to your child during this crucial period gives your child's brain a "head start". Nerve cells called neurons connect to each other to make circuits that enable the brain to think, do and experience more things. Overall, parents will come to know which toys will stimulate, challenge and entertain their children as they grow. In a sense, parents will learn from their children as they help them grow because, "Kids can sometimes be the best judges".

The Cortisol Connection

2009-06-20T15:30:00.002-04:00

Cortisol is a hormone that is part of the adrenal gland usually referred to as the "Stress Hormone" and is involved with physical or emotional stress or trauma. When cortisol levels are high, brain cells can die which reduces the connections between the cells in certain areas of the brain. This can make it difficult for children to learn and think especially during stressful situations which can also have a negative affect in later years.

Research reveals that critical brain development occurs in children between infancy and 6 years of age. It is very important that parents utilize this time frame to develop healthy, positive relationships with their children. Consistent positive interaction between parent and child can help keep cortisol levels low which will provide their children with the tools to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives.

Educational toys have been proven by researchers to challenge, enhance and stimulate the educational and physical development of children. Through educational play parents can connect on many developmental levels in the lives of their children through fun positive play and know that they are assisting their children today to become successful and productive adults tomorrow.

Give Your Child the Advantage

2009-06-06T10:44:00.002-04:00

Because children learn naturally through play it is important for parents to invest into their children's future during their early childhood years, infancy through 6 years of age. Parents play a major role in the educational and developmental training of their children because of the wonderful relationship that naturally exists between parent and child.

The human brain is a fascinating organ that grows and develops in an incredible rate during these early childhood years. Educational toys introduced into a child's play provide a great amount of valuable learning, social and physical skills while children have fun doing what they do best, playing.

Research has shown that educational toys permanently enhance the brain. Studies have shown that they challenge thinking, expand the imagination, help develop motor skills, increase curiosity, stimulate creativity, as well as strengthen relationship building and interaction with others. Many pediatricians recognize the benefits that educational toys provide children and have introduced them as a vital part that enhances their waiting room which provides children with a fun, learning experience while visiting the doctor.

As parents, we must evaluate how we allow our children to spend time and remember that the education and development of our children does not begin in the classroom but in a high chair, at a table or on the floor playing with our children.

Every Parent is a Professional

2009-05-26T15:31:00.008-04:00

Many parents like yourself are genuinely concerned and are taking control of their children’s future. In an October 10, 2004, a 60 Minutes report revealed that a Census bureau statistics show a 15 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home moms in less than 10 years. But this is not limited to moms only. According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, "stay-at-home" dads numbered 189,000. Although this number does not compare to the approximate 11 million "stay-at-home moms" the trend of one parent staying at home and raising their children is on the increase. The 60 minute report also stated that many successful women are choosing to quit their jobs to stay at home and raise their children.

Parents do not need to quit their jobs nor do they need a formal education to have an impact in the training and education of their children. There is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child especially children between infancy and 6 years of age. Parents can help in the educational and developmental skills of their children simply by introducing educational toys into their child's daily play. Educational toys are a great way for parents to interact with their children and have fun at the same time.

Money Does not Always Buy Success

2009-05-15T12:04:00.002-04:00

The September 10, 2008 addition of the International Herald Tribune entitled, “Obama Stressing the Problems of Public Education in Campaign” states, “Senator Barack Obama learned how hard it can be to solve America's public education problems when he headed a philanthropic drive here a decade ago that spent $150 million on Chicago's troubled schools and barely made a dent”. One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars in one city, Chicago, and it barely made a dent. When I read this, I’ll tell you, it doesn’t take a degree in economics to realize that putting more money into a broken system is not going to fix illiteracy in public school children. Something is wrong and it needs to be fixed NOW. But no problem is too big that can’t be fixed. Because you’re infant – 6 year old child can become a problem solving, idea generating, creative genius and overcome the system.

Parents have the power to turn the public school crisis around. First, get involved with your local school district. Parents are the voice that moves the board of education to positive action. If parents do not speak up, then the system which has been left to a few out spoken voices stays broken. Next parents must take and active role in parenting their children, especially in children from infancy - 6 years of age. At this age parents can introduce educational toys into their child's play time that researchers have discovered will enhance their child's future success and productivity. So let us work together to combat illiteracy and show the public school system that "Money Does not Always Buy Success".

Taking Charge

2009-04-29T16:18:00.008-04:00

Parents do not need to quit their jobs nor do they need a formal education to have an impact in the training and education of their children. There is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child. It is not necessarily a matter of being a stay home parent as much as spending daily quality time interacting, bonding and training your children. It is the best and most natural way to prepare your infant – 6 year old child for success.

Research has determined that educational toys increase a child’s ability to learn by challenging their thinking, expanding their imagination, stimulating their creativity and developing their physical abilities while having fun, especially from infancy to 6 years of age. So why not begin preparing your child’s future now?

This is Child's Play

2009-04-16T18:06:00.013-04:00

Playing is the most natural way of development in children from infancy – 6 years of age. A Stanford School of Medicine researcher reported that the brain regions that help children sense and interpret the world are dramatically affected by early childhood experiences and educational toys that stimulate young mind… The benefits of educational play during a child’s early years can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing while having fun.

The Original Rollercoaster has been a classic for over twenty years and is now entertaining a new generation of children! It is a favorite of pediatricians, teachers, and parents, and has been acclaimed as the most fun educational toy in today's market. The Rollercoaster is a three-dimensional manipulative experience in the perceptual, motor, and language areas. Developmental and learning skills are "challenged" through fun play!

Welcome To Your New World

2009-04-06T15:06:00.003-04:00

Whoever started the phrase "the terrible two's" did not know how to have fun with a two year old. A typical two year old can be challenging, but any child at any age can be challenging also. This is why it is so important for parents to understand the different stages of child development from infancy to six years of age. These are the most impressionable years, that are not terrible but quite enjoyable.

A two year old is very curious as they use their senses and motor skills to explore the world around them. They enjoy jumping, running, climbing, touching and especially pretend play. They are fascinated with shapes and colors and enjoy much interaction.

Educational Toys are a great way for parents to help their children grow in these early years. Educational Toys will challenge your child’s thinking, expand their imagination, enhance their motor skills, increase their curiosity, stimulate their creativity, and promote learning while having fun. So dad, mom, there are no terrible two, just a period of time where your child is exploring the "New World" around them. Enjoy them while you can.

Playing Around

2009-03-30T19:44:00.003-04:00

The most natural way for children to learn is simply by playing. As children play, their young minds are stimulated which encourages them to interact and explore the world around them. Their play is actually preparing them for future tasks and adulthood. Research as well as news reports have found that educational toys increases a child’s ability to learn by challenging their thinking, expanding their imagination, stimulation their creativity and developing their physical abilities while having fun.

As more parents grasp the idea of introducing educational toys into their children's play time as well as increasing their personal interaction with their children, we will all enjoy the benefits. It is much wiser and cost effective to invest into a child’s life today than to address the problems later in life that could have possibly been avoided. Parenting is a process that begins at infancy, it may not always be easy but it certainly can be fun. So parents, it’s time to take control of your children’s future, turn off the TV spend time with them, interact with them and train them. Who knows, you may be playing with a future honor roll student

Life in the Big City

2009-03-25T08:36:00.004-04:00

The major cities in the USA are great places for history, knowledge, culture as well as social life. Cities typically offer museums, concert halls, sports teams, some of the finest restaurants and hotels, plus a seemingly endless night-life. Because cities have a large population, public transportation aids in moving the populous throughout the busy congested streets. If you have ever driven in a major city, patience is a must. It's really not a bad experience, especially if you see yourself on an adventure.

Now your children can experience the adventure of driving in the big city with the City Transport Wall Panel. Children are endlessly entertained as they move a school bus, ice cream truck, fire engine, ambulance, garbage truck, mail truck,taxi, police car, and city bus throughout the busy city. The City Transport Wall Panel is an educational toy that enhance eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, and motor skills. Kids experience the excitement of city life while playing with this panel!

Life can be a Bear

2009-03-20T11:20:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the story of The Three Bears? Well I'm sure you do, especially if you have children or grandchildren. It's story of a sweet little girl named Goldilocks whose trip through the forest brings her to a house where a family of three pleasant bears live. While the bears are away sweet little Goldilocks helps herself to the bears porridge, finds a bed and falls asleep. Upon return of the bears to their house, they discover Goldilocks asleep, she awakens and runs away never to be seen again.

But did you know that the original story recorded in narrative form by English author and poet Robert Southey tells the story in an entirely different way? It was a story of an angry old woman who invades the bears house and when the bears discover her, they take her captive and brutally retaliate. Definitely not a story for children.

However, children can enjoy hours of endless fun with the Three Bears Puzzle. This educational toy brings to life the story of The Three Bears. Children can dress up and change the clothes and color combination for these dress up bears. Different faces, clothing, and shoes create endless possibilities for imaginative play! Sorry, porridge not included.

Jurassic Park

2009-03-12T20:17:00.005-04:00

Remember the movie Jurassic Park? A science fiction movie where scientists developed various species of dinosaurs from the blood taken from fossilized Mosquitoes. The dinosaurs are placed in a theme park environment for tourists to see and enjoy. It turns out that this new breed of dinosaur is not only realistic in size and nature, but as it grows it develops the ability to think and reason. To make a long story short, something went side ways as they usually do in sci-fi movies and the plush theme park turns into a war zone of pre-historic beast against man. What a way to end your long deserved vacation.

Now children can relive those days of old with the Magnetic Dinosaur Maze. This educational toy promotes eye-hand coordination, visual tracking and fine motor skills, while at the same time introducing children to the dinosaur age. With the attached magnetic wand, children guide the balls through the paths going through the tail, legs, body, and sharp teeth of the dinosaur. With no loose parts and made of wood, this educational toy can go on the road, even to the theme park for a great vacation.

Funny People

2009-03-07T11:20:00.003-05:00

It has been said, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing". One of the best things that promotes a happy heart and a cheerful mind, is laughter. No matter where we go we can find people who have the knack to make us laugh. Whether media such as television or movies, shows seen on Broadway or the circus, people that we know, friends or family, all around us we can find funny people, people who can make us laugh. Everyone needs an occasional side sticker, tears flowing down the cheeks laugh no matter how young or old.

Educational toys like the Funny People Twister Panel is just the medicine for children. Turning the head, body, and legs of a Doctor, Cave Man, Fire Man, Ballerina, Indian Chief, Police Officer, Mermaid, Construction Worker, and Pirate will have kids "rolling" with laughter, while they use logic, learn color recognition, and challenge analytical skills. The Funny People Twister Panel is surely and educational toy that makes learning FUN-damental.

Knights of the Round Table

2009-02-26T19:41:00.002-05:00

Knights of the Round Table were men of the highest order at the Court of King Arthur during the early 6th century. The table was round without a head or foot, which represented the equality of all the members. Each knight was of equal value to King Arthur, although they understood that King Arthur was first among equals. But now the 6th century lives on.

With educational toys like the Castle Figures, children have the opportunity to relive the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. These hand carves wooden figures of a King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Wizard, Jester, 4 Knights and 2 horses make pretend play both educational and fun.

Another Traffic Jam

2009-02-24T14:55:00.002-05:00

Did you ever notice after one or more years of construction on the interstate that traffic jams never seem to go away even after construction improvements are completed? It seems like soon after the traffic patterns are restored, the protective barriers are removed and all the construction equipment and workers have gone that the traffic problems that were trying to be eliminated really are not. Well get use to it and make the best of it, because you can have fun in a traffic jam.

The Traffic Jam Rollercoaster Table is an educational toy that gives children the excitement of city life and everyday traffic congestion. Vehicles such as a passenger car, police car, fire engine, mail truck, bus and ambulance travel the roadways trying to get to their various destinations. So come on parents, grab the children, the Traffic Jam Rollercoaster Table and enjoy a traffic jam of fun.

This compact activity table is perfect for home, schools, play areas, car dealerships, and waiting rooms!

To Short to Ride

2009-02-20T15:08:00.002-05:00

Today's theme parks are more exciting than ever. Engineers are constantly designing roller-coasters to give thrill seekers the ride of their life. With speeds over 120 mph and vertical drops over 400 feet the twisting, turning, cork screwing and loop-the-loop tracks cause an adrenaline rush of excitement. But if you want to experience the heart thumping thrill of these steel and wood giants, you must meet or exceed the height requirement. But now your toddler is no longer restricted by height requirement. Say hello to The Original Rollercoaster.

The Original Rollercoaster has been a fun filled classic educational toy for over twenty years. It is a favorite of pediatricians, teachers, and parents, and has been acclaimed as the most fun educational toy in today's market. Watch out parents, kids can't keep their hands off this exciting, stimulating, and fascinating toy!

Let's Go Cruisin'

2009-02-18T08:28:00.002-05:00

Since the advent of the automobile, cruisin' has become a part of the American culture. From major cities to small towns, vintage cars, muscle car or imports, hard top or convertible, young and old alike enjoy the thrill of showing off their wheeled prize possession. Cruisin' has always been the past time of those who have a valid drivers license, but not any longer.

Educational toys have now opened the highway of cruisin' to children. With the Dashboard Driving Wall Panel, children from 3 years of age can begin to experience the excitement of cruisin'. Children can use their imagination to rev up the engine and cruise through the cities and towns of their choice. This Educational toy is both decorative and fun as well as a great addition to any home, play area, or waiting rooms.

Parents don't be surprised when you ask your child what they want to do and they say, "Let's go Cruisin', I'm driving".

No Matter How They Toss the Dice

2009-02-12T15:29:00.003-05:00

"No Matter How They Toss the Dice" are lyrics from a 60's song entitled "Happy Together". It is also and expression of chance as in "Oh well " or a more recent expression, "Whatever". But tossing dice also involves such things as calculus, analytic geometry and statistical sciences. Although these areas of mathematics and science my be a bit too much for the average person, your child can begin exploring logic and probability as young as 3 years of age.

Educational toys like the Rocking Moon Game teaches logic, balance and strategy. Children toss the dice to begin selecting the corresponding colored wooden cylinder block. But be careful not to rock the moon and cause the blocks to come tumbling down! This ever changing game makes for long lasting, learning fun.

Fun at the Dentist Office?

2009-02-10T16:30:00.002-05:00

The thought of visiting the dentist office is not what most children would consider a fun filled adventure. As a matter of fact most adults probably feel the same. But now instead of parents pleading with their children or even bribing them to go to the dentist, the dentist office experience can actually be fun.

Educational Toys provide an excellent way for children to have fun and learn while waiting their turn to see the dentist. The Smiley Tooth Table and Chairs is the most popular Waiting Room Toy for dentist offices. The tabletop cartoons teach kids about brushing, flossing, baby teeth, crowned teeth, and tooth aches in a fun and friendly way. Watch out parents, you may be surprised just how easy it is to take your child to see the dentist.

Surf's Up

2009-02-05T12:44:00.005-05:00

Though the winter season brings longer nights and shorter days, it also brings sledding, skiing, ice skating and making snowmen. But for those who like the warmth of the summer sun, the smell of flowers in the air, trees filled with leaves and kids playing on the beach, the frigid bite of winter can seem to take a long, loooong, time to pass. But now you can enjoy the joyful sounds of children playing at the beach in your own home, in schools or waiting rooms.

With the Magnetic Sea Life Table children will be fascinated with creatures from under the sea and on the shore as they come to life with magnetic wands that move them through the sand. Educational Toys such as this will not only provide a learning experience for your child, but will also turn the long winter season into endless entertainment and fun.

Space; The Final Frontier

2009-01-30T11:58:00.004-05:00

Do you remember Captain James T. Kirk? He was the Captain of the star ship Enterprise, who with his crew traveled through space "where no man had gone before". Each week a new Galaxy, a new species of life, another battle and another adventure throughout the universe.

Even though the television series is over and re-runs are all that is left, your child can still enjoy exploring the universe with the Space Shuttle Rollercoaster Table. This is one of the best Educational Toys that will fascinate children as they explore and learn about the universe, the cosmos, the stars and planets. A fun activity table for homes, schools, and Waiting Rooms that will stimulate every child's imagination!

So don't wait, go to warp factor 10 and get your Space Shuttle Rollercoaster Table now.

A Train to Catch

2009-01-22T09:42:00.003-05:00

"Look out," "coming through," are some of the shouts that you can hear as commuters race to catch the train. Although mass transportation provides a service for travel, whether for work our pleasure, the experience can be somewhat challenging if not stressful. How many people do you know that use a train daily express their train experience as a fun filled, adventurous time? I'm sure that there are very few. However, there is a train that provides hours of fun and adventure.

The Busy Train Activity Panel is an Educational Toy that provides children with entertainment and adventure as well as fun. Whether playing tic-tac-toe, paddle wheel, traffic memory or one of the other many activities, The Busy Train Activity Panel is a fun filled experience of learning and development of childhood skills that your children will enjoy for hours. It is also a beautiful addition to any play area or Waiting Room.

A Nation of Endless Fun

2009-01-21T08:18:00.005-05:00

Do you remember when you were a child and all the fun that you had pretending? You may have thought of yourself flying a passenger plane across mountains, maybe the king or queen of your own kingdom, a rock star on stage in front of thousands of screaming fan, no matter what you were pretending to do or who you were pretending to be, it was the result of you exploring your very own nation, the imagiNATION.

Many Educational Toys offer hours of imaginative play for children. Sitting at the Safari Table on Animal Chairs where children can draw, write and talk about their adventures. How about preparing a feast fit for royalty with the Country Living Kitchen. With educational Pretend Toys and Furniture children will have endless fun as they explore their imagiNATION.

Coming Attractions

2009-01-15T15:52:00.004-05:00

There are many developmental benefits for children who play with Educational Toys like, learning to solve problems, recognizing shapes and patterns, expanding their imagination, increase their curiosity, stimulate their creativity and the development of motor skills, such as eye-hand coordination.

Educational toys like Magnetic Travel USA Map promote eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, fine motor skills as well as logical thinking. Children will have hours of magnetic fun as they attract the colored balls with the magnetic wands, learning about the 50 states as they go border to border, from one destination to another.

The Doctors Office Blues

2009-01-15T14:30:00.011-05:00

For a child, a trip to the Doctors office can be a scary experience, so why not make it fun? Educational Toys are a wonderful way to entertain and challenge children while they wait to see the doctor. Waiting Room Toys provide dynamic activities and at the same time build critical cognitive skills as well as stimulate interaction with other children.

The Circle of Fun for instance, is 4 puzzle benches that can be used individually or can be joined together to form a "Circle of Fun." A great activity center for doctors' offices, schools, all type of waiting rooms as well as at home. Doctors and parents will be amazed as they watch and see a child's frown turned upside down.

Family Fun

2009-01-15T13:32:00.008-05:00

Our fast paced and demanding world can take a toll on family life. However, there is nothing more important than creating the bond between parent and child. Today many parents find themselves looking for ways to to keep their children occupied while the world passes by. But parents must remember that their child's future is in their hands.

Educational Toys are designed, not only for early childhood education and development, but also to promote the interaction between parents and their children. For instance, the Number 1 - 15 Puzzle Wall Panel, is a great way for parents to interact with their child as they slide 15 numbers around the board, placing them in numerical order. Not only will your child learn to count, develop logic and analytical skill, but both parent and child will enjoy hours of family fun.

The Great American Past Time

2009-01-15T12:28:00.007-05:00

Entertainment can be a fun and exciting past time, but not necessarily a good thing, especially when it comes to a child's early development. Many parents today may not realize that the early years of a child's life is extremely important. It is the time when young minds are being prepared for adulthood and the tasks that lie ahead. Too often parents overlook the importance of early childhood education and development by finding ways to entertain their children rather than to challenge and stimulate growth and development through learning.

Children learn naturally by playing and because of this, Educational Toys provide a fun filled realm for children to be entertained through physical and mental development. The Musical Slices of Fun table is designed to do just that. Children will be entertained while developing musical skills, logical thinking, eye hand coordination as well as visual tracking. Parents will be amazed at the hours of fun their children will have while learning. Parents beware, your children will have so much fun learning, they may not want to stop.

Learning is FUN-damental

2009-01-15T11:20:00.009-05:00

With today's emphasis on learning, many parents are reevaluating their approach to their child's education and development, especially during their early years. Most television programs and video games are developed for entertainment, not education, so parents are turning to Educational Toys to stimulate their child's ability to learn.

Educational toys, such as the award winning Rollercoaster Toys is an interactive toy that stimualtes various areas of the brain causing young minds to grow as well as challenging motor skills. As parents introduce educational toy to their children, not only will they see growth, but they will also find themselves participating with their children in the fun filled activities that educational toys provide.