whole new dimension of learning to playtime. Examples include Astro Telescope (Thames & Kosmos), FrankenWords (The Haywire Group), National Geographic Ancient Cities Puzzle (4D Cityscape), Lego Classic Bricks (Lego Systems Inc.), and Teach My Baby Bath Time Numbers (Teach My Inc.).
SOLO PLAY Toys and games that kids can play alone—without adult intervention or instruction—can be very beneficial. For one thing, they encourage children to be creative and think outside the box. They also help kids develop their logic and problemsolving abilities through trial and error. Perhaps most importantly, these toys and games help to build little ones’ confidence and self-esteem. Examples include Joinks (Fat Brain Toys), Power Clix (GuideCraft), Sparkup the Magical Book Reader (Sparkup), PlayMais Fun to Learn ABC Playset (Playing Unlimited Inc.), and Double Dutch Dolls—Book Series (Double Dutch Dolls Inc.).
Kids can learn programming, robotics, and other STEM skills with toys such as Hexbug’s VEX IQ line.
ORGANIC LEARNING Organic learning presents itself when kids don’t actually realize that they are playing with an educational toy because they are so absorbed and engaged in the activity. From board games to tech games and kids’ tablets, these toys are more about the experiences produced by the toy or game, rather than the concrete lessons that are learned. Examples include Tiggly Math (Tiggly), Dr. Charlie (Cuddle Barn), Get Growing! Greenhouse (SmartLab Toys), Roominate School (Roominate), and Dino Pet (Biological and Popular Culture Inc.).
CODING, PROGRAMMING, AND ROBOTICS This relatively recent trend in educational toys is growing
Tiggly’s products, such as Tiggly Math, teach even the youngest learners basic skills.
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in leaps and bounds. Through coding and programming, kids build high-level cognitive functions at a young age, sharpen their math skills, and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with customizing and controlling how their toys interact and engage with their surroundings. Examples include Meccano G15 (Spin Master Ltd.), VEX IQ line (Hexbug), LightUp Edison Kit (LightUp), Compose Yourself (ThinkFun), Ozobot (Evollve), and Code Master (Thinkfun).
WELL-ROUNDED PLAY Toys that incorporate many different types of learning all rolled into one have a long lifespan in the hands of a curious child. From creative activities that promote scientific discoveries to building sets that incorporate storytelling, these toys help children gain knowledge through fun and engaging experiences. Examples include Invicta Challenge Book and Model Kit (Citizen CG Inc./Invicta Challenge), ABC Magnetic Puzzle & Play Board (innovativeKids), Mighty Makers: Fun at the Fair Building Set (K’NEX Brands), Flip ’n Check (Teen Entrepreneur Boot Camp), and Maker Madness Activity Kit (Fibre-Craft). ■
THE TOY BOOK •
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