| Learning toys stimulate a childs physical or | | | | A child can learn that if a block falls, it will continue |
| emotional development. They can do this by | | | | to do so until a surface stops it, while also |
| helping to teach a particular skill or subject, or by | | | | developing patience, and basic hand-eye |
| encouraging the achievement of a particular | | | | co-ordination. |
| milestone in development. And, with the best | | | | Another guiding principle when buying an |
| toys, the child will have fun while realising their | | | | educational toy, is to go for a product relevant to |
| potential. | | | | something the child has already shown an interest |
| The sorts of things these playthings can help with | | | | in - whether thats trains, animals or cooking - |
| include: fine motor skills, verbal and aural | | | | since it needs to hold their attention. |
| recognition skills, and problem solving. | | | | If your child enjoys solving mysteries, for |
| They tend to have greater value if they are | | | | example, maybe a toy which gets them to solve |
| appropriate for the age of the child who is playing | | | | different maths problems, to get the clues to a |
| with them. And its been found that the earlier a | | | | crime, would be ideal. |
| child starts to play with educational games and | | | | Many toys these days brand themselves as |
| toys, the sooner they feel the benefit. Its even | | | | educational products, so be very clear on what |
| possible to buy toys for babies, aimed at helping | | | | the item will do, how specifically it will boost |
| them to learn. | | | | learning, and what particular skills it is aimed at |
| Play has always been a way of teaching younger | | | | improving. If you are in doubt about somethings |
| kids the essential life skills - and basic literacy and | | | | educational value, ask the manufacturer or shop |
| numeracy ideas - but now, more toys than ever | | | | assistant. |
| are designed with the child's education and | | | | Toys cause very few accidents indeed, and are |
| development in mind. | | | | generally incredibly safe. But look out for the kite |
| Some parents make their choice by the material | | | | mark which shows that the British Standards |
| the learning toy is made from, perhaps choosing | | | | Institution has independently tested it, and |
| real materials, such as wood, metal or wool, over | | | | confirmed the product conforms to the relevant |
| electronic or plastic products. (Others, of course, | | | | British Standard for safety. |
| swear by electronic playthings.) | | | | If you cant find something you like in the High |
| Children have played with wooden items for | | | | Street, the Internet is a fantastic resource. Read |
| generations, and these toys can spark hours of | | | | product reviews, see what other parents are |
| creative enjoyment. While wooden building blocks, | | | | buying, chat to them online and swap advice and |
| for example, may seem simple enough objects, | | | | tips. The Italians say it takes a village to raise a |
| but they can teach elementary principles of | | | | child, but there's no reason why that cant be a |
| science. | | | | global, web-based one. |