Math Board Games

Education gameAn educational toy is any toy which stimulates play in the child and provides education and learning as a valuable side product of play. Your child's development socially, emotionally, and physically are all stimulated by the use of age and developmentally appropriate educational toys and games. There are some excellent online toy stores and toy shops in which to find quality toys or games.

When selecting a toy or game for that special someone, ensure you are mindful of age appropriate suggestions. Giving the child a toy, even an educational toy, which is way beyond their developmental age, will not advance them or help them become super intelligent. It will simply frustrate them, as their skills are not developed enough to handle such a challenge. We are all familiar with the scenario of auntie giving a gift to baby, only to discover that instead of playing with the toy, baby prefers to play with the box it came in!

In years gone by it was believed that educational toys would only benefit those children who were almost grown. This has now been conclusively disproved, and educational toys are now accepted as having their rightful place with children of all ages, from babyhood onwards.

The right educational toy is a huge benefit to your child, as it expands their 'play time' into learning time. It is an effective tool for making the very best possible use of your child's infancy. They enjoy playing and having fun while learning at the same time. Educational toys can stimulate the development of a whole host of skills in your child, from developing fine motor movements, to problem solving skills.

Today's parents place a huge importance on giving their child the best education possible. And now it is possible to add several years to this education, in the form of educational play. All play is a learning experience for children and their play experiences boost creativity and personal skills.

Most educational toys are designed to stimulate and develop specific skills in children of a particular age group, so it is vital to buy an educational toy which is suitable and appropriate to the intended child's age and stage of development. Every child is unique. Each has its own specific pattern of development, and there are many different ways of learning.

Don't overlook the fact that your young child's home playtime is their first real learning experience. In selecting the right toy, and participating in the play, you are creating an environment that is fun and friendly and conducive to learning vital skills they will use throughout their lives. In effect you are paving the way for a lifetimes learning.

Whilst every parent wants what is best for their child, sometimes it is hard to choose given that there are so many types of quality educational toy. Maybe a chess set? Or is a jigsaw puzzle better? Or perhaps a model? Or a board game? Making these choices can be quite stressful, as you will know if you have ever been overwhelmed by going into one of the massive toy superstores and seeing the boxes stacked high shelf upon shelf, aisle upon aisle.

Selecting educational toys for play from a high quality toy shop is a significant thing, and will play a role in your child's development, so it cannot be treated lightly or disregarded.

Pay attention to age guidelines provided by the better toy shops and online toy stores, and with older children, try to assess their level of skills and identify which they could possibly use a little help with.

For example, the toddler who is having trouble mastering number skills or concepts may benefit hugely from Rainbow Step Blocks to help with math, in a bright colourful, fun and tactile way.

So take it seriously Mom and check out educational toys from a quality online toy store or toy shop, and know that you are doing the absolute best for your child.

About the Author

Barry Hooper