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Children learn through play, and there are a many toys on the market today catering to toddlers and preschoolers. Although most toys have some educational value, some are more educational then others. How do you, as a parent (or caregiver) choose which toys are best for your child? Educational toys should not lose their appeal over time. They should appeal to a child's sense imagination, and offer some benefit to their development in return.

Educational toys don't need to be complicated, and don't need to be expensive. Here are some simple, battery-free suggestions which should help you choose.

Puzzles

Puzzles are wonderful educational toys! Peg puzzles are perfect for children from as young as 1 year old. The larger pegs and smaller number of pieces are best for the younger children, who can progress to smaller pegs and more pieces. Older toddlers love jigsaw puzzles, available with 12, 15, 24 or more pieces. You'll be surprised at how some children will concentrate.

In terms of educational value, the peg puzzles help develop motor skills, and can help children learn to match colours & shapes. All puzzles help develop problem solving and concentration skills.

Books

Books are fabulous educational toys. Children love to be read to, and to "read" books on their own. For the younger set, chunky board books, with bright colours and pictures and simple stories or few words are best. They like to hold them and flip the pages, and sometimes even put them in their mouth.

For older children, there are a large variety of age appropriate board and story books out there. Your local children's librarian or bookstore will have some suggestions for you - don't be afraid to ask.

Blocks

What can be a tower today, a road tomorrow and a house the next day? Blocks! Wooden blocks, alphabet blocks, shaped blocks, Lego blocks. These are some of the best educational toys out there! They help with motor skills, shape recognition and are wonderful for pretend play.

Drawing Toys

Drawing and scribbling is wonderful for children to help build motor skills and coordination. Along with traditional paper and crayons, there are several alternative educational toys that you can consider.

The Aquadoodle is a big mat with a special pen for drawing. The pen is simply filled with water, and the mat changes colour when wet. There is no need to worry about getting crayon or markers on any surface where it does not belong!

In a similar vein is the Magnadoodle toy. A special pen and board allow pictures to be drawn and redrawn, and no worries about mess. The classic Etch-a-Sketch drawing toy is another educational option.

Alphabet Toys

Do you want your child to learn the alphabet? Of course! There are a lot of wonderful books that will help. A magnet board with magnetic letters is also an educational choice to help children learn their letters.

The best educational toy, of course, is you. Play with your child and help him learn!

Learn more about this author, Naomi E.
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