Back-to-School:  Toys Can Make Learning Fun!

While back-to-school shopping lists always include the latest fashions, brand new sneakers and a wide variety of necessary school supplies, toys are usually the last thing thought about when getting prepared for another school year. However, purchasing the right toys can help to improve your child’s perceptual, sensory, cognitive and motor skills, all while entertaining your child for hours.

Through play, children develop their knowledge of the world around them. Parents can choose the appropriate toys that will steer their learning in the right direction - teaching kids everything from math to other languages.

Children as young as 6 months old can begin learning letters of the alphabet and numbers.  Toys with a lot of bright colors, characters to interact with and talking letters to press electronic games can captivate children at through a wide range of ages. Other interactive electronics, generally recommended for children 2 to 8 years old, can teach multiple languages, such as English, Spanish, French and Japanese.

Interactive maps provide kids with the ability to get to know facts about the United States, as well as other places around the world.  These interactive, learning tools offer a challenge and learning experience for the whole family.  Many of these interactive games are also great for travel, presenting your child with the opportunity to learn on the go.

Learning toys can also allow your child to travel back in time and learn fun facts about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.  Kids can learn where dinosaurs lived, what they ate and how big they were.  Also, taking a step back in time (although a more recent time period), youngsters can learn all about the U.S. Presidents, from their names to the names of their First Ladies, the Vice Presidents and more.

There are many great toys to encourage your child’s love for science.  From interactive solar systems that provide facts on the planets and the rest of the galaxy to microscopes and test labs, your child is sure to learn through playing.

So, as you get ready to send your child back-to-school, think not only about the clothes and shoes he or she will be wearing, but the learning that can be done at home with the various toys available to help entertain and educate.