Children Play to Learn

The early years of childhood, the preschool years, are the most important in a child’s development. Researchers studying early brain development emphasize the importance of the early years and suggest the environments that allow best for optimum growth and development.

Children learn best through play. In one sense, toys become their words and play becomes their “work”. It is through this play that the child makes sense of his/her world. Play give young children "hands-on" activities for learning about life. 

All areas of a child's development are addressed in the planning for the day. The areas of development addressed are: cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, social/emotional, and faith.

Manipulative Toys :-

Fine-motor control is developed by playing with a variety of toys such as Legos, Bristle Blocks, Play-Doh, Peg-Boards, large beads to thread, and stacking and nesting materials.

What children learn: These manipulative toys help develop a child's fine-motor skills, which is a precursor to being able to write. These toys are also often used in "making-believe".

Smart Learning Toys :-

What is a smart toy? The term is used two ways: It may refer to computerized toys that are programmed to respond to your child's actions (which make the toy seem "smart"). It may also refer to the toy's educational activities (which help make your child smart). 

These toys come in many forms, but most share three essential characteristics. They:

• teach a skill;
• make learning fun;
• engage kids to do versus just watch something

Electronic toys appeal to children for the same reasons gadgets appeal to adults — they're cool. But when it comes to smart toys, the technology should not just be for show; it should have a purpose such as pronouncing letters for a pre-reader or giving visual clues to help your child solve a puzzle.

 

  

Developmental Edge
You might remember when computerized games where only for teens and adults, but today's smart toys span all ages. Manufacturers are continually researching how to match the technology to age-specific motor skills and school curriculum.

• Babies & Toddlers — Birth to 2 Years
  As your baby learns to distinguish sounds, he is also developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Several musical toys work on sharpening these skills simultaneously. 



SASSY TOYS SET A

 



SASSY TOYS SET B

 



DISNEY-TOLO HANDS RATTLE WITH TEETHER

 

 





• By six months of age, your child is ready for interactive musical games that can teach higher-level skills. 



FISHER PRICE ROLL A-LONG MUSICAL SNAIL

 



FISHER PRICE ROLL A-LONG TURTLE

 

  

• Early Learners — Ages 3-5
  Your pre-reader or early reader can get a great boost from electronic toys that provide spoken instructions and reading help.



VTECH LITTLE COGSLEY LEARNING ROBOT



LEAPFROG LEAPPAD2 EXPLORER LEARNING TABLET



• Phonics manipulatives let your child play with or "manipulate" objects that represent letters and sounds.

• To introduce math concepts, look for tech toys that teach real-life math skills through imaginative games. 
  
  

• Elementary Schoolers — Ages 6-8
  At this stage, your child is progressing from learning to read to reading to learn. The original LeapPad2 (ages 4 and up), with a format similar to the PreK version, will engage him in a variety of subjects. You can buy a wide selection of classic and kid-friendly stories for the LeapPad, as well as books that use reading and workbook-style activities to teach vocabulary, phonics, math, and music.