Monday, June 20, 2011

Three Ways Teachers Can Use Toys in the Classroom

The old way of thinking said that toys were for home not for school. It used to be thought that toys were a distraction to students and playing wasn't part of the school day. Well, times have changed and experts agree that playing is one of the most important ways that kids learn. Playing allows students to mimic what they have learned, be creative, and express what is important to them.

Along with our thinking about toys at school, toys themselves have come a long way. There are many educational toys that help reinforce what teachers have been teaching and give children the opportunity to learn new concepts. Hands-on learning through these types of toys offers another way to learn in addition to oral and written learning. This type of hands on learning is called tactile learning.

To Introduce a New Concept

Teachers can use toys to introduce a new concept. A great example of this is the concept of money, making change, and the value of coins. By introducing a play cash register into the classroom, students can see the money, pretend to purchase items in the classroom, and make change for classmates. Now, by the end of learning a new concept, students have heard it, done written work on it, and touched the lessons making it much easier to retain.

To Reinforce a Concept

Once a new concept has been taught and practiced, reinforcing the concept is important. It is important because it can help students retain the information and allows any student who is struggling with the concept another way to look at it. Hands-on learning is important for students of all ages.

One example is a clock puzzle. After teaching students the concept of telling time, teachers can put out some clock puzzles and see how students place the numbers. Then students and teacher can take turns saying a certain time that students much show on their puzzle. There are many puzzles available that reinforce concepts such as numbers, letters, addition, subtraction, and more.

To Evaluate a Student

When a student seems to struggle with oral and written learning, presenting the material one on one through a toy is another option. This gives teachers the opportunity to evaluate a student's progress. If they can grasp the concept with the addition of tactile learning, then teaching methods simply need to be adjusted. If they cannot grasp the concept with the addition of tactile learning, then the student may need additional help.

When working one on one with students who need additional help or with special needs students, educational toys are a great way to evaluate the progress of a student. If they can't tell you verbally or show you through writing what they have learned, they may be able to present it to you through play.

Toys are not just for fun. Adding education toys to your classroom can help you to introduce a new concept, reinforce a concept and evaluate a student.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Kids Toys - The Joy Of Your Children

Kids are the biggest treasure of God to the parents. They are the most important members of the family. So taking care of them and their happiness is also very important. Happiness of their kids should be the first priority of parents. Kids are most happy when they are at play, while playing they enjoy their life and are out of everything in the world. They live in a world that is full of joys and their play.

Kids toys are one of the most important elements of their play. Toys are object use by kids to play. When it comes to growing up kids and teaching them about the world around us toys play a very important role. Playing with toys prepares the kids for their social role. Kids toys provide entertainment to the kids while also teaching them about different things. They have to develop the mental and physical skills of kids, which are very important in future as kids have to face the world and understand it.

Kids toys are found in many different forms. They may be representatives of dolls, animals, infants, and soldiers or of tools. Kids get entertained by playing with them as they think of them as if they are real and those living in the world the kids want them to. Kids toys also include different types of vehicles like cars, buses, motorbikes, airplanes, trains and trucks etc. Kids from ancient times are playing with such toys before there were two-wheeled carts but nowadays there are military vehicles, toy boats etc created by different companies like Hot Wheels, Matchbox etc. There are a huge variety of kids' toys available in the market giving each individual a chance to choose the one of their own choice.

Kids toys also exist in the shape of puzzles. Actually a puzzle is a problem that challenges humans' ability of applying ideas to solve a problem. To solve a puzzle you may have to recognize a pattern or crate a particular order. The children with good deductive skills are able to solve puzzles easily and faster then other children.

In some cases kids are interested in just collecting different toys to have a complete collection such as action figure, cartoon characters, lonely tones, mego dolls, teddy bears, strawberry short cake, super heroes, bobble heads, universal monsters, Simpson's, Popeye weebles, transformers etc. The most used and famous collectible toys are Barbie, matchbox car, toy gun, tow sewing machine and many more.

There are many famous toys shops in the world as its branches are spread over different parts of the world. It is the largest toys store all over the world.. All types of toys are available in this store and thus it is also the favorite shop of all kids because kids love shopping for new and different toys and this shop provides all the favorite and best toys for the kids.

With time and new technology new toys are created every year according to the needs and demands of the kids. Kids toys are ranked according to their fun and creativity. The top ten Kids toys for 2010-2011 are:

1. Sing-A-Ma-Jigs

2. My Pillow Pets for Kids

3. Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS Blaster

4. LEGO Harry Potter Sets

5. Squinkies Kids Collectible Toys

6. Cuponk Kids Games

7. Leapfrog Leapster Explorer Learning System for Kids

8. Fisher Price Lil Zoomers Spinnin Sounds Speedway for Kids

9. Fisher Price Imaginext Bigfoot the Monster

10. Disney Princess and Me Dolls

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Fun Kids' Crafts & Toys to Do With Your 5 Year Old on Your Inkjet Printer

Kids these days may prefer to play with their computers, PlayStations, Xboxes or Nintendo Wiis. Yes, even five-year-olds these days know how to use those gadgets, and many of them actually do. However, a creative parent would be able to divert the attention of their little ones with the use of some paper and their trusty inkjet printer.

The trick is to create toys and kids' crafts with your inkjet printer. Here are a few ideas that you can use.

Jigsaw puzzles. You can download software that can create a jigsaw pattern on any picture. Use this on some of your child's favorite pictures and print them on matte paper using your inkjet printer. Afterwards, you glue this pattern onto a piece of cardboard then cut it up to come up with the jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Coloring sheets. Some parents may think of coloring books as a bit old-fashioned, but they are still a great way of teaching children about colors, shapes and space. Your own kids will no doubt enjoy them. But you do not have to buy coloring books; you can just create coloring sheets using your own inkjet printer. You can download coloring patterns from the Internet, or make your own if you are handy with photo-editing software.

Pretend food. If you are into baking customized pastries and cakes and if you have an inkjet printer that is dedicated to the creation of edible printouts, you can create pretend food for your kids. It does not even have to be pretend food at all.

Scrapbooking. It is never too early to start scrapbooking, and you can teach your child how to make one using your inkjet printer. Maybe instead of using actual photos, you can print family photos on your inkjet printer. And then, you can give these printouts to your kids, along with materials used for scrapbooking that they will not choke on or injure themselves with, such as cardboard, colored paper and ribbons, and let them have a go at their own scrapbooking project.

"Rubber stamps". Kids love playing with rubber stamps. You can make your very own unique "rubber stamp" by printing a pattern or a figure that you want on glossy or smooth paper using your inkjet printer. Once the paper is out of your inkjet printer, you can press the printed surface of this glossy paper on a dry and absorbent paper, and then you would have an imprint. While this may not be practical for daily play, it could be a wonderful way of adorning notebooks and scrapbooks.

There are many ways that you can entertain your children using an inkjet printer. You just have to be creative at finding these ways.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

LEGO Harry Potter Toys

Has your family gone Harry Potter mad over the last few years? The books were such a hit that entire generation of children were hooked on the life of little Harry and his fellow students Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Now the newest of the films is about to be released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and its all going to go crazy again. It's no bad thing though as this is a series that both adults and children alike can enjoy.

Harry Potter merchandise is all over the place and is going to be a great idea for 2010 Christmas present for kids. Though you may also like to include on your shopping list for kids Christmas presents other ideas that will have the kids excites and really happy. You could include a new kids kick scooter or Schylling Skitterbots or perhaps a Samsung Galaxy Tab for the really well behaved children.

The Harry Potter games and toys are available for any age group, there are the LEGO Harry Potter toys that are a vast range of superbly made toys, and LEGO is most tried and tested and always come out on top. The LEGO Hogwarts Castle is a must for the most fun toy that will have the children absorbed in to the realms of magic and Hogwarts. These Harry Potter LEGO sets provide children with a total experience that they will love.

If you and your children like the challenge of completing a puzzle then there are plenty of really great Harry Potter puzzles that will have you impatient to complete and see the fantastic results.

Or perhaps you are a steam train enthusiast and can not resist the temptation of seeing the Hogwarts Express steam Locomotive chugging around the living room. The Lionel Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Set is most impressive and with its working lights, puffs of steam, air whistle and three carriages pulled by the steam locomotive and tender there will be plenty of fun to be had.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Top five types of toys Waiting Room

Choosing the right activities and toys for your waiting area is important. It not only keeps children occupied and quiet so that office duties can continue uninterrupted, but it also keeps customers happier and more apt to return to your business. But what are the best types of waiting room toys and how does one go about finding them?

Not to fear! Here is our list of the five BEST waiting room toys to choose from.

#5 Puzzles
This toy box staple is just as relevant today as ever. Kids of all ages can enjoy the challenge of putting a new puzzle together, and there are many varieties and difficulty levels to choose from. Older babies all the way up to teens can keep themselves occupied for hours with this standard wait room toy, and best of all, they are generally inexpensive so you can buy more for less.

Today's puzzles are not only stimulating for the mind, but are longer lasting than the ones you may remember as a child. Tuzzle puzzles are, for example, in solid wood. These new editions do not bend and warp over time like cardboard, so they're great for when the inevitable child who is happy to chew on things.

# 4 tables and activity centers
These toys are popular waiting room stands and stations and art tables for specialized activities. Many of them can even accommodate more children, fighting over the toy would not be aanymore. This means that moms and dads can relax and read a magazine while their kids play, instead of constantly refereeing squabbles over toys.

Make sure you provide art supplies, actions figures, cups or dumping toys, etc...to go with each table. To cut down on mess, choose crayons or specialized water markers or paints and paper instead of traditional finger paints with messy clean up. If you choose to allow things like sand at the play tables, keep it in a specialized Area that will be easy to clean, and that no water anywhere near the area. Sometimes you can even play for the colored sand in particular tables.

# 3 Toy therapy
This waiting room toys are designed to teach children a skill or task in particular. Some of them refer to promote the physical aspects of learning how to jump, while others are purely intellectual concepts, motor skills. There are cards with shoelaces tie, "rock"jumping on, or even swings and balancing toys.

If your waiting area can accommodate larger toys, there are also many variations of the indoor playground with climbing options, slides, and cubby holes that kids can crawl through. These are often fun for kids in multiple age groups, and are among the most enjoyable waiting room toy options if space allows.

#2 Wall Toys
Waiting room toys that can be hanged or mounted to the walls are known appropriately as "wall toys". Tic Tac Toe games, drawing boards, and mazes are common aspects featured on wall panel toys. Typically, this type of toy is available for use with any age group and the games attached come in varying levels of difficulty.

This option is great because, since it is on the wall instead of taking up floor space, you can have many of them without using much room. For businesses with smaller waiting areas, it's a great way to pack a lot of fun into a compact area.

#1 Play Cubes and Beads
Our number one type of waiting room toy!
Everyone remember "busy beads" toys! You can add the new models to your waiting room toy collection, but choosing larger play cubes that feature the classic beads and colored tracks. Many tables are large enough to allow multiple kids to play at once...sometimes up to eight! These toys encourage sharing, color recognition and imaginative play. What is it about those crazy little Beads that kids love?

Some even play dice across multiple disks with colorful backgrounds and special shaped pearls to match. play dice Many features learning activities and games, instead of drawing the beads. These lessons are also fun for more than one child at a time, and are generally free of mess. No loose parts are another feature of the dice, a dice to make it perfect for your waiting room.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Educational Benefits of Playing With Wooden Puzzles

Wooden Puzzles are an important learning tool that can be used with children to enhance child development. The following are just a few of the many benefits that can be gained when using this incredibly well rounded learning tool.

Puzzles

* capture attention

* motivate participation

* stimulate conversation

* can be challenging without being overwhelming

* encourage success

* encourage independence and self esteem

Puzzles are a Self Correcting Learning Tool
When Children attempt to place a puzzle piece in it's place it will only fit if it is placed properly in the right space. The act of manipulating each piece, turning it and testing the fit, is the way children learn to problem solve and develop critical thinking.

Language Skills
Puzzles offer children an opportunity to develop many language skills. When a child asks for a certain piece they will often describe what they are looking for. For example, the round piece, the blue bumpy piece, etc. Puzzles are often used when working with Autistic children who have delayed speech ability as a playful tool to encourage speech.

Math Skills
Puzzles teach children several basic math concepts as well. While working with a puzzle children learn to categorize and organize pieces while doing that they are able to classify and label the pieces as well.

Eye-Hand Coordination
Wooden puzzles build eye-hand coordination. The ability to coordinate what the eye sees, the mind wants to do, and what the hands can accomplish takes a lot of practice. Puzzles offer an enjoyable way to practice this skill while encouraging independence.

Fine Motor Ability
Puzzles offer a fun way to develop fine motor ability. Children need to develop strength in the muscles in their fingers so that they can grasp things and hold onto them. This will later give them the ability to hold a pencil.

Social Skills
Wooden Puzzles offer opportunities to expand social skills as well. When children work cooperatively to complete a puzzle they engage in conversation. They develop a plan to solve the puzzle, they take turns and help each other solve problems as they arise.

Developing Persistence
When a child works on a puzzle until completion the child is developing persistence. Once the puzzle is solved the child can feel a sense of accomplishment which boosts his independence and self esteem.

Adaptable and Abstract Thinking
Children use adaptable thinking and deductive reasoning skills when they find different ways to put the pieces together. They gain the ability to think abstractly when they are able to see negative space, like the space where a puzzle piece may fit, and figure out what type of shape would be needed to fill that space.

Spur Imagination and Creativity
Playing with mosaic puzzles encourages imagination and creativity. The colors and shapes of the mosaic pieces serve to stimulate brain cells and encourage prolonged interest when arranging the pieces in endless designs.

In conclusion, wooden puzzles like the ones offered at puzzled1.com are an incredible learning tools. I believe that of all the educational toys, wooden puzzles are the most versatile and well rounded learning tool you can purchase for your child because they offer a host of valuable educational benefits that support child development.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Traditional Wooden Toys For Education and Child Development

Children are learning even before they are born. Every event or experience they have is educational which is why it is important for them to have access to play facilities and toys that will make a positive contribution to their ongoing learning.

Play activities contribute towards a child's educational development in many ways including:

Psycho-motor skills development: hand to eye coordination, dexterity
Language development
Communication skills
Cognitive skills: (concentration, perception, memory and logical thinking)
Creative thinking and problem solving
Personality development

Modern Toys

Today's toy shops are full of the latest whizzy electronic toys. Many are advertised as being educational but are really little more than attention grabbing noise making devices. Tests have shown that humans are predisposed to pay attention to rapidly changing events and loud or unusual sounds. Many modern toys exploit these predispositions with loud, noise-making flashing toys that will grab the attention of any youngster. While toys like theses may be amusing many actually provide limited educational value.

The right educational toys will be stimulating and fun to play with rather than simply another form of entertainment. And the right educational toy for a baby is obviously a lot different to the educational toy that will stimulate a 10 year old.

Babies and Infants

Babies and infants need things to look at, to touch, to shake, to taste, to rattle and to roll. Varied colours, varied textures, varied sounds and varied behaviours will all provide immense enjoyment and stimulation to an infant and they will be learning whilst having fun.

Toddlers in the 1 to 2 year age range are getting to grips with language and associations with the physical world. They like to stack things, build things up and then knock them down again. They will often find the packaging more interesting than the item that was packed!

The baby walker is a well known traditional toy that is loved by toddlers, helping them to take their first wobbly steps. Equipped with a cargo of assorted bricks that allow the child to stack and build and knock down while encouraging their creativity.

As they grow toddlers begin to copy and emulate the adults and older children around them. They will enjoy dressing up, role play and imaginative fantasy games that will see them adopting personas such as a postman, fireman, nurse or doctor. They will also benefit from problem solving, puzzle games, building sets and creative professions.

The castle is another toy classic toys that many of us remember from our childhood. The construction of the castle supports all types of skills development, including manual dexterity, language skills and creativity as a child imagines his castle occupied by knights and princesses, the Defensedragons and invaders.

Creative Play

From a very early age children will enjoy creating things by drawing, painting, gluing and colouring. As they grow their drive to create becomes ever more sophisticated. They will want to have a go at all sorts of creative play, from painting pictures to pottery. Luckily there are plenty of creativity toys from simple sets of crayons and colouring books to bead jewellery and flower gardens.

Don't be deceived by the hype and advertising of modern, supposedly educational toys. Many have limited educational value and are actually entertainment devices that provide little stimulation or opportunities for learning. There are many traditional toys that make ideal gifts and will provide a valuable educational experience for a growing child.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

The Best Travel Toys for Toddlers

Toddlers are notoriously hard to entertain on a long trip. They do not have the attention span for movies, cannot read, find it impossible to sit still, and, despite what the toy companies want you to believe, there is no fail safe travel toy that will entertain a toddler (or any child) for hours on end. So what is a parent to do? The key to entertaining toddlers on a long journey is distraction.

Instead of trying to find that perfect toy, pack a variety of simple toys that, combined with imagination, can be used in a variety of ways. Think quality - you want enough toys to be able to swap out often.

Before the trip, create a toddler activity kit containing a variety of age appropriate toys. Things like stacking cups, links, cars, puzzles and chunky crayons are all good choices. Finger puppets and small animals are fun for playing let's pretend and engaging your child for slightly longer periods of time. Think outside the box as you are selecting toys. For example, squeeze toys are always fun in the bathtub but they are perfect for creating a distraction. Puff some air in a toddler's hair or on their arm and you immediately get their attention. In desperate times you can even fill one with water and watch the giggles start.

Use your toy assortment wisely. Pull out the first thing and if it doesn't capture their attention immediately, put it away and try something else. Use toys in unusual or unexpected ways. For example, a large stacking cup can become a hat. Lastly, do not wait until they get bored with a toy to introduce a new one. Gradually transition between toys - it makes both items last a little bit longer.

The best travel toy for toddlers is a well stocked activity bag that allows you to continually distract them. With a little imagination, you might even enjoy the trip.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Tips on Choosing Toys for Children With Special Needs

The choice of toys for children can be very difficult, as we all know. We have time to be after the transition to a source of joy, but seeing how easy it is, the target is missed. The recipients of maturity both physically and intellectually, are to be considered is the safety and interests are, especially if the recipient has special needs.

The holiday season is a time of year when looking for a great number of people for gifts for children with special needs. Parents aresee which games are appropriate without great difficulty, but it may develop guidelines Who are some of the many relatives and friends would be welcome.

We must recognize the role of play in the life of a child. Years ago, my adult children were playing in our yard in Nigeria. A woman passing by the noise, he stopped and stared for a moment, then turned to me and said: "Play is work for children." Apparently it was a person of great intuition and understanding.

Play provides young peopleChildren learn and mature, emotional, mental and social well physically. Toys can improve problem solving skills or to encourage the game to the next level. Some toys encourage exercise and exploration, such as climbing and ' riding toys. These physical activity to develop strong muscles for walking, running and sports.

Other toys such as rattles, puppets and musical toys are the development of motor skills and manual skills and increaseFreedom of movement. Games and role playing to encourage children to take joint and through these activities they learn cooperation and exchange of play. Two very important skills to build friendships.

Still other toys to help things move more aware of people, places, e. Dolls, soft toys, dolls, doll houses and cars have a role. The latter two are excellent opportunities for children with special needs in order to introduce the various aspects of daily life andthe work people do at home and at work.

Note: When choosing a toy for a child with special needs, the following factors carefully:

E 'safe for the child's mental age, well built and durable?

It 'attractive and interesting for the child

It is right that the child physical skills?

It 'should the child's mental development and social? The toy should not be

Being frail or fragile. Were toxic materials

Votessharp edges or points.

So small it can get stuck in windpipe, ears or nose. Remember that some children with special needs to explore objects from the "mouth" of them.

They have small removable parts.

Not all Parties, the toes or catch hair could catch on. Have been put together with pins exposed, sham-wire or nails.

The electrical equipment must be followed closely, unless supervised by an adult.

These are all important aspects in producing aChoice.

Toys fall into several categories, including:

Active role

Push and Pull Toys

Ride-On Toys

Outdoor and fitness equipment

Sports

Manipulative PLAY

Construction Toys

Puzzle

Pattern construction toys

Dressing, lacing and stringing Toys

Sand and Water Play Toys.

Make-Believe PLAY

Dolls

Stuffed toys

Puppets

Role playingMaterials

Play Scene

Transportation Toys

projectile toys such as toy guns, bows and arrows

Creative Play

Musical Instruments

Arts and crafts materials

audio-visual equipment

Learn to Play

Games

Specific skills development toy

Books

It can be very difficult choosing toys for autism and other gifts for children with sensory processing and perception disorders such as ADD, ADHD and Asperger syndrome. They tend to"Under-sensitive" by feel. They need intensive experience touch, texture, smell, sound, pressure, speed, and with Sensory Processing Disorders balance.Children love sound effects, always pressing the buttons to hear the sound effects and over again. You can over-excited and do not vanish.

Puppets help children discover the meaning of words and images. Talk to look through a puppet and catchy as emerge.Children communication, eye contact and emotionwith autism need a lot of help from the stereotyped repetitive play in the progress that has been created and developed by their imagination. role-playing game developed often as others, to show them how to play to imitate.

Here are some tips toy;

bean bags, barrels

Balance beams, tunnels, tents, ladders

Rocker boards, sit-n-Spin, rocking horse

tactile flash cards, chewable toys, books, foam structure effect, puzzle

SillyPutty, Playdough, Brushes

Musical Instruments

Pencil Grips, Vibrating Pens

Heavy Stuffed Animals

Body Sox, weighted Blankets, Lap Pads

Therapy Balls, Balls with Texture, Bean Bags to toss

Wings, Slide, Trampoline, Hammock. Scooters, Sand Box

Aromatherapy Diffuser, Lava Lamp, Massagers

THE VISUALLY CHALLENGED CHILD WOULD BENEFIT FROM TOYS SUCH AS:

Overhead Gym

Word, Sound and Music-Makers

Toys with realistic sounds and figures

Toys that move when touched

Mirrored toys

Toys with high contrast colors, patterns or lights

Toys that magnify

Textured Surfaces which feel different

Toys with different areas, e.g dials, buttons, knobs

THE HEARING IMPAIRED CHILD WILL BENEFIT AND HOPEFULLY ENJOY TOYS WHICH:

Combine auditory feedback with visual, touch and movement sensations

Toys with high-pitched or low base sounds

Toys with a volume control

Toys that are visually interesting and/or offer different sound feedback

Toy parts that visually direct a child to the ways they can be used

Toys with realistic actions figures and sounds.

CHILDREN WHO HAVE TROUBLE MANIPULATING OBJECTS NEED

Toys with knobs, levers, buttons, switches and holes for exploring and manipulating

Toys that encourage exploration of visual details and textures

Toys that respond to manipulation with visual and or sound feedback

Toys that require little pressure or accuracy to manipulate or activate.

Toys with multiple access areas that result in different things happening.

Toys do not necessarily have to be bought from companies which specialize in special needs requirements. Many similar items can be bought cheaper from high street stores. Ordinary toys can be adapted with a little ingenuity. As one wise mother wrote "The best gifts are of the heart, which means a gift of time. Record your voice or a familiar voice reading a favorite book" But whatever present you give, give it with love!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Birthday gift ideas for preschoolers

preschool children are in the process of understanding the daily routine of life and the importance of rituals and gifts. Buying gifts for their level of play is always a curious task. While it is easy, the hottest toys of the season, but just buy the toy that really excites him or take them and will need a reasonable time. The best way this problem is to understand the interests and hobbies of children under school age.

Since children are in the age group of 2-4adventurous, curious, and even moved their toys ranging from art, creative things for educational and social skills to develop tools. Here are some ideas birthday gift for children of school age only to find the right toy.

Personalized Name Art

preschoolers want to brand everything as their own so they can be personalized Wall Art name with the letters of their name to make a great gift. It not only allows them to satisfy their desireThey claim that their rooms or other things, but also instills a sense of adults. You can learn to write their names, identify letters and arrange them in order. Different shapes and textures can further expand their learning. So, this gift can be fun and educational institutions.

Memory games and puzzles

The power of the brain and level of intelligence for the development of children pre-school, very high speed and puzzles with the necessary impetus. Puzzles helpdevelop their problem solving skills and cognitive abilities. More confidence and self esteem. Memory games force you to think and remember what to sharpen her memory. But make sure that the puzzle is not too difficult for them, or they can cause frustration.

Children's Books

This is exactly the right age to develop good reading habits. Then the books go to read the story, educational books make a thoughtful gift. Learning new wordsLink with pictures and creates a fantasy world that they live through the stories can go a long way in developing an interest in reading and writing go.

Art supplies

Gifting art supplies is like fire the imagination and creativity of the painter little wild. colored pencils, oil paint doodle pads are wonderful coloring books to promote them. Melissa and Doug Art Easel is a great gift. musical instruments like guitars, pianos are to cultivate goodTalent in preschool.

Through the establishment of an 'idea of ​​buying a gift for the son of a friend, you are teaching your child the importance of feelings and the heart that goes into not only how much money you spent. We hope that this birthday gift ideas for preschool children and that when you register for the effort you put in choosing the gift to be appreciated.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Learn perfect toy for girls

For your daughter, where all the toys that day wanted for his birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and during his high school. The purchase of toys who requested it is simple. The purchase of another toy, I have appreciated, though not asked why not.

The first thing is to consider the personality of her daughter and hobbies. Did she enjoy the outdoors, like art or love to watch TV? She likes to read or act or aidwith the housework? She likes to play alone or with other children? Once you figure it out, then you will know that educational toy is perfect for them.

Here are some tips for mothers and fathers who are out of ideas what to give to their young daughters

Mommy's Mini Me

Always underfoot, while the mother is busy in the kitchen, laundry room, or living room, this little girl some love all educational toy that is connected at homeHousework.

It 's like a doll's house, where he learned the practice of mediation furniture when her mother received. You can enjoy all claims to cook their favorite recipes in their very own toy kitchen. This child will certainly like to wear an apron and work with her toy kitchen accessories, how to prepare something tasty, with their wooden play food.

Mommy's Little Girl will love their own toy ironing or washing machine and practiceFolds of his clothes doll. E 'as a box of toys with nice designs and pastel colors on the toys to go with her ​​role.

Daddy's Little Girl

This little girl loves out there with their father and sporting events to go. Already has all the tools to play ball they wanted. What other things are all right?

Daddy's Little Girl "as his tent, sleeping bag and mummy bag or air mattress they have. It will also love the gadget can be used while swimmingas fins and floating toys. A folding trampoline, a base sheet, a balance beam, roller skates, a bicycle and a pedal car will surely put a smile on his face.

The curious girl

A girl who likes to read books and will surely enjoy tinkering with their own easel, art table where you can save their art materials. You will certainly enjoy creating something from these boxed craft projects, an activity not only improves theirCreativity and imagination, but also improves their reading comprehension. It will also love the stamp set, pearl crafts, and scrap booking materials.

Unlike books, the children will enjoy hard science kits, puzzles and board games and card games that can play with friends. Educational software for word games and puzzles, strategy games, or those with interactive storybooks will work with your computer.

A NaturalEntertainer

Girls who do not meet the love is more likely to enjoy playing with musical instruments. Give them CDs of their favorite Disney soundtrack is recommended as well.

Those who like to act like the costumes and huts, such as blocks and play their own set of vanity have been designed. Girls who love to create stories of your friends and family deal with their love puppets and marionettes.

Yes, girls can be so smallMonster for download. Knowledge of one's personality is the key to research the perfect toy for them - a fun toy that you learn while they play.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Magical World of Harry Potter toys

The world of Harry Potter goes far beyond the gates of Hogwarts Castle. After following Harry and his friends adventure, you can download the games you want to continue with Harry Potter and toys. The movies and books have generated a huge number of products. Sales of China well over thirty billion dollars. From toys, games, clothing and other items, Harry Potter brand is enormous.

No matter what your favorite book or movie, there are many brands ofSales for those who love the characters. The games and toys are available for most age groups. If your child grows, you can be sure of finding appropriate toys for their age. There are many of the characters in the books and movies such as action figures. These are great to collect or just play.

The Company has a LEGO Harry Potter-Lego product. For those who like to build Lego sets are needed. They are based are based on the film and you can buyLego ultimate challenge, with sixty buildings, pieces of flying lessons for fans of Quidditch, and the set of speakers and a funny hat. The prices of these products depend on the amount of land and can run from $ 39 to $ 89th The final set is the LEGO Hogwarts Castle. This set has 943 pieces and many of the characters. You can click on the record with other packages. The lock can be purchased for over $ 500. To complete the scene, you can also buy the Hogwarts Express train.

There are many games on the theme of Harry Potter. Video and computer games for all gaming systems, will lead to another world of magic. board games are a great way for family fun. You can enter a game Clue, a quiz and mystery at Hogwarts game - all have enjoyed the many who have played it. In addition to action figures, you can also buy other toys. There are action figures, puzzles for different age groups, and a soft plush>toys.

No event is complete without a Harry Potter costume. You can get Harry, Hermione, or Dumbledore costumes complete with wands, robes, and glasses. These are great for Halloween or a Potter party. You can also buy wizard robes, wands, and Harry Potter glasses that are sold separately.

There are many different clothing items available. You can buy t-shirts, robes, pajamas and other items based on the Houses of Hogwarts. You can sport a Gryffindor tie, a Slytherin Robe, or a Hufflepuff scarf. Do not forget your broom and Quidditch robe, so you can play the game at high speed as Harry.

The most important thing is to have of course the magicians wand. These are great collectibles and there are many to choose from. Most bars are seen in accordance with the real magic wands in the movies. You can buy Ron, Harry's character and other magic wands for about $ 29. There you will find great bars to play. Most are light as a wave a magic wand to perform your magic.

L 'World of Harry Potter is right at your fingertips. You can enjoy your favorite movies and books about games toys and costumes.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Kids Play Toys

When deciding what toys to get for your child, there are many things that you will need to think about, including their gender, age and abilities. You will also have to think about your budget and getting the most for your money. Kids play toys come in different shapes, sizes and price ranges and it can all be very daunting. You should look at what your child enjoys playing with as this can help to make the decision about what toy play sets they would like.

Your child's age will often determine what you buy them to play with. Even though some children will develop quicker, it is best to look at the recommended age for the kids play toys. You should always try to find toys that are fun to play with but also offer some type of educational benefits as well. You will want the toy play sets to help them develop and progress and there are some toys that are designed with this in mind.

Kids are very curious and love to copy their peers so any toy play sets they can use to copy you are ideal. You may want to look at kitchen sets and tool benches that can help your child to develop certain skills. They will love playing with these toys and can spend hours in pretend play using the skills they are learning to make you fantastic pretend items. Kids play toys you buy will often depend on the space you have in your home. Although you want your children to have a vast range of toys, you can often buy far too much.
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You should try to watch your child to see what type of toys they are attracted to and then buy the type of toys they enjoy. Some children love puzzles whereas others prefer construction toys. You should try to encourage them to play with different toy play sets, though. If they prefer one type of toy, this is fine and you can help them to develop their skills using this toy. Taking your child to a toy store and letting them look around will often help you to see which toys they prefer.

You should try to buy quality toy play sets as these will last longer and be safer for your children. Cheaper toys tend to break easily and you will need to replace them soon. You should try to buy kids play toys that will help to stretch their abilities and enable them to learn. All children love to learn new things and doing this through toys is an ideal way. Your child will be learning how to count, play, develop social skills and share without even knowing it.

Choosing bright colorful toy play sets is essential to keep your child interested in the toys. Once they have outgrown them, you can keep them for siblings. If you are going out to buy toy play sets, remember to set a budget as you may want to spoil your child. But they won't mind as long as they get toys.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

The Benefits of Toddler Toys For Parents and Their Children

In today's market, there are many educational toddler toys available that will help children develop their skills at an early age. Colorful puzzles, creative play objects or toys featuring the alphabet or numbers are very beneficial to children because they bring enjoyment and facilitate learning at the same time. For parents, taking time to consider the educational benefits of a play object could go a long way for their toddler.

Using even the simplest objects, parents can present their toddlers with exciting opportunities for learning new things. It has actually been proven that toddlers who are exposed to educational toys are better prepared for kindergarten and eventually attain a higher success rate throughout their school years.

A number of toys have also gone digital. There are different varieties of video games and computer games for toddlers that not only provide visual entertainment, but serve to enhance their learning skills and provide educational benefits.

Aside from promoting learning, toys for toddlers could also facilitate more bonding moments between parents and their children. As parents guide their toddlers when they play with traditional toys or digital ones, the time they spend together enhances their closeness, and lets them learn more about each other.

It is always important to consider the early development of a child. Simple things such as toddler

Monday, January 31, 2011

What makes the best for children's toys

 There are many points to consider when looking at getting that perfect toy for a child. You must keep in mind their age, their interests and your budget. So once you have got a range in mind you can then do a little research about toys online and find out what makes for the best kids toys.

You have probably heard it said before, but wooden toys really do make great toys for kids of all ages. There is something in the feel and construction of wooden toys that makes them so appealing and user friendly for the child. A wooden toy can be thrown about and sucked on and dragged through the dirt and still come out looking pretty good. Toys such as wooden blocks are always a staple for any child's toy box. They encourage creative play, imaginative play and develop those fine motor skills of balancing and stacking. You can even use them to demonstrate colours and shapes. Wooden toys can also be dollhouses, car garages, trains and train sets, wagons and bikes.

Whether they are made of wood or plastic, scenario play sets usually get a pretty good work out from most children. These toys can be dollhouses, car garages, zoos, shops, tree houses, castles or pirate ships. They work by providing your child with a little launch pad for their imagination where they can create games or scenarios with their little people, animals or vehicles that populate the set.

Dressing up costumes are those long lasting toys that will get pulled out of the toy box every so often. Children discover the joys of dress ups at all different ages, and this is why they can be such great value for money. If you have a mix of outfits such as cowboys, superheros, animals or royal garments the child can become any character they wish, whether it's from a movie or show they enjoy or simply from their imagination. Dressing up provides children with a wonderful platform for role-play games where learn to play together and use their imagination.

There are puzzles and games suitable for children of all ages, and are excellent value for money. You can play a choice between big jigsaw puzzle wooden floor or a large game 'or Barrel Monkeys and Pick Up Sticks, learn all these children can learn to improve, strategy and problem solving skills. Helping a child develop the puzzle of the process of treatment and cognitive ability. Gamesare a great way to get children to work together and solve a problem or learn to take turns.



Wooden

Scenario Sets

Dress up

Puzzles and Games

Good toys don't always have to cost a fortune, sometimes a child will be just as happy playing with a set of wooden blocks as they will with an expensive wooden play set. However, most parents and relatives like to get the best they can afford, so if you are looking for some great, high quality toys look into the long standing, familiar brands such as Fisher Price, Plan Toys, Play Mobil, Lego and Mega Bloks, Barbie and Sylvanian Families and you will be sure to find something right for your child.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzles - Stress Management Game For All Ages

Today children of all ages know only of one thing, and that is to play with their handheld games, game consoles or their computer games. If you are tired of all of these, then why not try a stress management game of 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles. Young or Old, we all can enjoy this game that was once made popular decades ago.

Almost everything now can be done with the help of the technology. The types of toys are limitless. From electric scooters; to bikes; to handheld games; to play stations, x-box, wii, and a whole lot more of electronic games that are available in the market today. It is rare to find a young boy or girl with a puzzle. Most of them would rather ask their parents for the above mentioned toys. Even adults are now hooked as much as the youngsters are hooked with electronic games.

Wouldn't it be nice for you or your whole family to be able to enjoy a game or two of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles? Not only will all of you enjoy the game, you will be able to spend quality time with the whole family. Puzzles are not made for kids alone, adults can enjoy it too. If you want something as intricate, you can always go for different puzzles whenever you are done with your first puzzle.

Playing a game or two of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles will give you a natural high after completing your puzzle. Once you are all done with it, you can easily have your puzzle framed and display it in your living room, or wherever you want to put it. It is also nice to let your friends see your accomplishment. As it really takes a person with tons of patience to finish a puzzle, let alone finish a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles.

Find the time to go back to basics and start by playing a jigsaw puzzle, not only that this type of toy is entertaining, it will also make you think and learn to free yourself from stress as well. You can enjoy this game by yourself or with your whole family.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Educational Toys: How to Encourage Cognitive and Motor Development in Your Infant or Young Child

Educational toys are designed to encourage healthy cognitive and physical development as they stimulate little ones to explore their world and interact with caregivers and other children. The best developmental toys are created to help children develop specific skills, such as gross and fine motor control, problem-solving, sorting, and numbers. It is important to choose educational toys that are appropriate for your child's developmental stage - most toys are marked with an age range to help parents select the ones that are most suitable for their baby's or toddler's skill level. Here are some hints to help you decide which toys are best for your child's age group:

0-6 Months

Young infants respond best to toys with contrasting colors such as black and white and to objects with faces. By 3 months of age, toys with bright colors, lights, and sounds are stimulating for your baby; dangling toys such as colored rings are particularly appropriate. By 4 months, babies typically begin to reach for toys, so objects that they can grasp are perfect for this age. By 6 months, babies often begin to play independently, especially when they are able to sit on their own. Toy phones, stacking cups, and other similar toys will encourage your baby to explore and play.

6-12 Months

Babies who can get around on their own are ready for more independent play. At this age, pull toys, stacking and sorting objects, board books, and toys with buttons that produce lights and sounds are the most appropriate; these help your baby to develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

12-18 Months

Between 12 and 18 months, young toddlers begin to think in more complex ways and experiment with their environment. Throwing balls to see what will happen is typical at this age; encourage your little one to experiment and develop problem solving skills with toys like puzzles, shape sorters, and reality-based toys like train or construction sets.

18-24 Months

By this age, most babies are walking easily and getting into everything! Your toddler will love to play with manipulative toys, musical instruments, and role-playing games. Toy vehicles and objects that teach shapes, colors, and phonics are a good choice for this age range.

24-36 Months

By now, your toddler is growing into a "big kid" and will be ready for more sophisticated play. Dress-up, puppets, dolls, role-playing, musical games, and active toys such as tricycles and swings are perfect, as well as finger paints, crayons and chalk.

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers

Every parent wants to give their child a head start when it comes to their early development, and there are many educational toys available that can stimulate your child to grow and develop in fun and playful ways. It's been scientifically proven that young minds need stimulation to develop thought and reflex patterns and good hand/eye co-ordination. The toys available must also entertain your child if you want basic learning skills to develop. The child won't even realize that lessons are being taught, because it's so much fun!

Toys that feature a lot of turning buttons and items will help to develop motor skills and co-ordination. Toddlers and infants especially love the toys that make noise. Also, toys that feature keyboards or noise-making buttons can help your child to associate actions with obtainable and fun sounds. A basic ability for sound recognition is usually developed in this manner.

It's important to realize that there are age-specific toys for every level of childhood, because children grow through various stages of their development. Educational toys must stimulate the child's imagination during play to be effective, and these toys must match their learning ability. Interactive toys are some of the best educational and fun toys for a child. They usually stimulate and entertain the child so that they can learn while having fun.

Any activity that involves pulling or pushing something is also a favorite activity, followed next by filling and emptying anything. Toddlers are curious and have to touch and look at everything in their world. Action toys, cause and effect toys and any activity that challenges their minds are always favorites. Stacking blocks, simple puzzles and any toys that pop up are also high on the list of fun and educational toys.

Shape sorters, which are colorful and interesting, can keep a child entertained for hours. Bath toys are also colorful toys that are a great way for your child to have fun and learn in an unlikely spot. Interesting bath toys that bob and float and make noise are wonderful playmates in the bathtub! Some great bath toys include the traditional rubber ducky, foam letters and numbers, and the more sophisticated bath play areas that are educational and fun additions to any child's bath time.

Older toddlers can have fun with colorful fridge magnets, books that feature sounds and songs and other interactive toys. Any sorts of fanciful play sets, such as garages, airports and dollhouses, can also be popular and educational ways for your child to learn about the world around them. Toys that feature clay modeling, chalkboards or anything that the child can write on will help to give the older toddler an outlet for expression.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Puzzle treatments for autism Press Ribbon Floor Puzzle

Though I am a teacher first and foremost because I adore the kids, I admit that a wonderful extra benefit is getting to know the children's families. I was blessed to meet the Ambrose family when I taught two of their three children several years ago. Having one child with special needs, Susan Ambrose has worked tirelessly to help raise funds and awareness for other causes.

Her company, Puzzles For Cures, is pleased to announce that they have received written approval from the Autism Society of America (ASA) to use its patented ribbon, created with colorful puzzle pieces, to manufacture a puzzle of the well-recognized symbol. The puzzle has already been well received as an effective fundraising tool by groups including schools, therapy facilities and united groups of parents.

Today, 1 out of every 150 children (4 out of 5 boys) born in our country has been diagnosed with Autism, which is the fastest growing developmental disability. These puzzles have many advantages. Fundraising dollars are used for therapy and professional seminars, children benefit from this educational toy, and autism is collected throughout many communities.

Susan fully understands that disability is not invited and that acceptance is the key. She faces many opportunities and challenges with their child, which led to a strong desire to contribute something positive to take such decisions and challenges.

The idea of thisproduct came about one day as she was stopped at a traffic light and noticed an Autism awareness ribbon magnet on the back of the car in front of her. Her Dad, a woodworker and woodcrafter for over 40 years, made the awareness ribbon into an actual puzzle, creating the first prototype.

Puzzles For Cures presented the puzzle to the Autism Society of America and received its approval. Though the puzzles were initially made of wood, the group struggled to keep up with a growing demand. They realized they needed to take it to the next level.

The idea of a floor puzzle evolved, and Melissa & Doug, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality puzzles and toys for children, signed on. The ribbon-shaped floor puzzle is comprised of 36 pieces of "Easy-Clean" surface, which keeps the surface looking like new. It measures 18" x 36". All Melissa & Doug products are carefully crafted using "non-toxic coatings and meet or exceed all U.S. toy testing standards."

If you are interested in learning more about how the Puzzles For Cures Autism Puzzle can be an effective fundraising tool for your group, while also broadening awareness and providing children with an enjoyable fine motor activity, please contact Susan Ambrose at 856-220-0404.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The six essential elements of child development

As a caring and involved parent, you want to assist your child's development in any way you can. Why not acquire educational toys geared toward encouraging growth in all of the developmental areas? Authorities differ slightly on how to organize these domains. However, a good standard to follow is that set by Drs. Dorothy and Jerome Singer of Yale University, who identify six essential elements of developmental play that can be cultivated through the use of age-appropriate educational toys:


Motor development: the development of gross motor skills that use large muscle groups for activities such as running, kicking, balancing, jumping, hopping, lifting, climbing, and swinging, and the development of more delicate fine motor skills, such as the pincer grip of thumb and forefinger.


Eye-hand development and vision: the development of keen powers of perception and of the ability to use the eyes and hands together in coordination to perform a task.


Cognitive learning: the development of the ability to learn new knowledge and to process, understand, and apply this knowledge to different ends. Developing this area helps a child improve his or her capacity for mental activities such as reasoning, interpreting, comparing and contrasting, evaluating, judging, inferring, predicting, sequencing, and visualizing. It also helps children master specific content knowledge relating to vocabulary, mathematics, science, and so forth.


Hearing, Listening, and Voice: the development of skills relating to the senses and communication. Developing this area allows a child to discriminate between different types of sensory input, processing those that are important and screening out ones that are not.


Social/Emotional: the development of skills relating to how one interacts with other people and how one behaves oneself.


Creative/Imaginative: the development of skills relating to pretending about the world and using the imagination to explore new ideas and possible solutions to problems.

Which Educational Toys to Get

To develop gross motor skills, look for toys that require large, yet controlled movements from your child. As they begin to stand and walk, provide younger children with wooden push and pull toys. As they gain more control over their muscles, get them wagons, play strollers and shopping carts, tricycles, and kid-powered ride-on cars such as the Plasma Car. Look for toys that develop more specific gross motor skills, such as hopscotch sets (hopping), jump ropes or the Spin Master Stomp Rocket (jumping), or hula hoops (rotating body). Sports equipment also promotes the development of more varied gross motor skills.

To develop fine motor skills, look for toys that require your child to perform precise, controlled hand movements. For example, get lacing cards or activity books or boards that have the child perform life skills such as buttoning, tying laces, zipping, snapping, cutting, and locking and unlocking.

To promote eye-hand development and vision, seek out toys that require children to use keen perception in concert with hand dexterity. For example, get nesting and stacking toys such as the Melissa and Doug Geometric Stacker; blocks and other building sets; peg boards; puzzles; and art activities such as drawing, cutting, painting, sculpting, or lacing beads. Also look for toys that increase your child's sense of perception, such as I Spy books or puzzles that require children to differentiate between different sizes or colors of the same object.

To develop cognitive skills, look for toys that require the use of logic, identifying patterns, finding solutions, and solving puzzles. For example, get games that require children to use clues and deductions to solve problems, such as the classic board game Clue or FoxMind Games's Logix I. Or get science and nature kits that develop children's powers of observation and investigation, such as Battat's Bug Catcher Set. Or get toys and games that teach content skills and problem-solving skills, such as Melissa and Doug's See and Spell. Or get building sets or model sets by makers such as Meccano that require children to think about how pieces can and should fit together.

To develop hearing, listening, and voice, look for toys that appeal to the senses. Get musical instruments such as shakers, drums, whistles, triangle, tambourines, and xylophones to encourage children to play with and compare different sounds. You can also get toys that help children discriminate between different sounds, such as sound puzzles.

To develop social and emotional skills,look for toys that require your child to interact with other people. For example, games such as FoxMind Games' Babylon teach skills like taking turns and good sportsmanship. Building toys such as wooden unit block sets or Legos encourage skills such as cooperation and sharing as children work together to construct something.

To develop creativity and imagination, look for toys that encourage your child to create things or to pretend or role-play scenarios. For example, Uberstix construction systems can be used to build an infinite variety of structures. Art and craft supplies give children practice with making things. Dolls, dollhouses, Battat toy vehicles, and toy dinosaurs can all be used as props to make up stories and recreate real-life scenarios. Costumes, props, and copies of real-life objects can all also be used in imaginative play.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Popularity in Toddler Toys

When shopping for toddler toys, you will be searching for toy between the ages of 1 and 3. This is a very important stage in your child's life and for the learning path that they are on. They are curious about what is going on around them and learning seems fun and exciting when you purchase the right kind of toys.

Some of the most popular types of toys to purchase for a toddler are building blocks, puzzles and even Lincoln logs. There are wonderful toys that you can purchase such as lacing toys that will help to teach your toddler how to tie their shoes and get themselves dressed.

You can also buy learning toys for toddlers that will teach them how to put their toys and clothes away. Toys for kids can be a great learning experience if you buy the right ones. Travel toys are really cool for your toddler. When you are going on a trip whether it is a short ride or a long ride, you can purchase toys that will make your toddler feel as though they are participating in the trip.

By getting them a set of play keys or even a steering wheel that has a horn and blinkers etc, your toddler will feel as though they are driving with you and it will make the trip go a lot smoother. Your toddler's imagination will run wild once they hit the ages of 2 and 3. They will want to have tea parties and play with racing cars. Your daughter will want to play house and your son may want to play cops and robbers or even pretend that they are going into space. The possibilities are endless when it comes to your children playing pretend.

Even though they may be pretending now, some of their imagination may actually be a sign of what they will become once they get older and start going to high school. The toys that you buy for your child while they are a toddler will have a big effect on the way they are in the future.

You want to have toys that will help to shape your child's mind and to get them ready and prepared for what they have ahead of them. There are science toys, puzzles, construction toys, animals, outdoor toys and even music learning toys. The options just seem to go on and on for what you can choose to by for your child.

The toys that you choose for your child to play with will help to develop their thinking skills as well as their social skills. You will be building on their creativity and their coordination. All of these things are going to be important as your child grows. The toys that you buy today are going to be the toys that they remember tomorrow in one way or another. They may not remember what they were playing with when they were little but it will help them when they get older.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Educational Toys And Puzzles

After people leave school or higher education, they tend to think that the learning part of their lives is over and that it is time to put that knowledge to decent use to make some money and have a family. There are exceptions to this model, naturally, lots of them, but most people just stop learning and start working. Some jobs demand that the person doing the work goes on courses and keeps abreast of developments, but many do not.

Regrettably, the part of the brain that learns, the medulla oblongata, has to have continuous stimulation, otherwise it tends to hibernate and every time it goes into hibernation it gets harder to wake it up.

Therefore, it is decent advice to not stop learning. Hobbies require constant learning and so do educational toys and puzzles. 'Use it or lose it' is an apt saying with regard to one's ability to learn.

Everybody has to solve problems every day, but these problems are not the same ones that our brains require to stay active. We tend to solve problems in our daily lives without having to think very much or having to do any study. Examples of the kinds of educational toys and puzzles that are beneficial are crossword puzzles, word games and sudoku.

These educational toys and puzzles feature in most of the daily newspapers but some are simple and others are hard. If you buy a newspaper in which the puzzles are fairly easy, either switch to another newspaper or purchase mind games and puzzles books of the level that still test you.

This is the second-best approach though, it is better to have the puzzles in the newspaper that you read everyday and carry around with you so that the mind puzzles are there with you whenever you need them.

However, there are other types of mind games and puzzles that you might prefer. There are hundreds of portable games machines that you can put in your pocket or bag to be played in your dinner break or whilst travelling.

I am not thinking about 'shoot em ups' here, but instead portable chess machines, which allow you to play either the machine or another human.

However, you might not like chess, but you might like draughts (checkers), or any of the dozens of other board games and card games, like bridge, that have been 'computerized'.

On a different level, there are hobbies that can produce the correct sort of mind puzzle to keep your mind stimulated. Programming is one, mathematics is another. Astronomy or bridge are others.

If your child goes through a phase of illness and you are concerned that he or she may be lacking stimulation, Lego could be a solution. Lego is suitable for all age ages from babies using larger blocks to teenagers utilizing computer-controlled motors.

There are loads of educational toys and puzzles for individuals of all ages, in fact there have never been so many, so simply go down to the mall and pick one out for yourself or your dear one.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

The Importance of Toddler Toys in Brain Development

The first three years of a child are crucial to brain development. During this period, the brain triples in weight and establishes billions of nerve connections. At the age of three, kids have twice as many nerve connections than a lot of adults. This is the reason why toddlers are very curious and inquisitive.

Their brains absorb thousands of information all at once, constructing new connections and associations, and making sense out of all the new and unfamiliar sights and sounds that bombard their senses. This is also the reason why toddler toys are designed the way that they are: colorful, bright, loud, with many different textures, shapes, sizes, and are made of different materials. These are all designed to stimulate and develop a child's mind.

Differentiation and classification
In the early phase of development, one of the crucial things that a child learns is differentiation and classification. Toddler toys such as building blocks, stuffed animals, padded play gyms, rubber balls, and spiky mats, help a child recognize the different textures and shapes of different objects. Having toddler toys in different colors and in different hues and shades, also allows a child to perceive the nuances and basic principles of color, developing their creativity and imagination. Exposing the child to as many colors, shapes, and textures as possible can help expand their perceptions and sensory experience, and help them have a wider picture of the world.

Emotional intelligence and imagination
There are also toys for toddlers that nurture emotional intelligence and imagination. The popular ones are musical toys for toddlers. Musical toys help kids learn balance and harmony, and stimulate their creative minds with interesting melodies and artistic rhythms. Classical music, particularly Mozart's Violin Concertos, is also a big help in developing a child's brain and Imagination.

Logic and reasoning
While children have most of the neurons they need to work in their lives, their neurons are not set for wired networks to complex thought processes required form. the early years of a child who will soon be connected to each other and the neurons form connections, or synapses. toys such as puzzles, mind games, mixing and matching, playing cards and mind maps to help the children can make connections and develop their complex quicklylogic and reasoning.

Memory and concentration
These days, with numerous technological advances and a bombardment of media messages and information, from home theaters to 3D video games, all-day cartoon channels to internet access and online entertainment, and from billboards to interactive LCD screens, ubiquitous advertisements, and sophisticated gadgets, kids and toddlers have shorter attention span and concentration. They are easily distracted and bored. Traditional toys for kids can help them be more patient, increase focus and concentration, improve their listening skills, filter out distractions, and enhance their memory.

Traditional toys that require kids to sit down, think, and tinker for a couple of minutes or even an hour will help a child form good habits and acquire discipline-two important traits for excelling in school and the adult world.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

classic wooden toys for children are preferred for generations

Caution is practiced with almost every little thing we do these days. The world is changing and is rather competitive in terms of almost all aspects. In this much profit-driven commercial sector of the human lifestyle there is no dearth to businesses that strive to sell their products to you by hook or by crook. They offer incredible discounts and cheap rates and we easily fall prey to the lucrative deals. However, in some instances one just cannot afford to take chances with the quality and durability and safety. if consumers are innocent and playful young children may not be particularly cautious in choosing the perfect set of toys for them to agree to spend most of the time.

traditional wooden toys have existed centuries have brought us in early to grow with a lot of education and entertainment to it and have yet to play an important role in any new childblock. When one thinks of toys they are flooded with a million choices these days with the increasing influence of technology and other advancements in toy making. From metal to high-grade plastic from stuffed toys to hi-tech toys like video games, the material used and the game strategies used have undergone a constant make-over to facilitate toddlers with something new and innovative every time. However, what is the guarantee when it comes to the safety issues and educational value. Fortunately, toys made from wood have not been extinct yet and are still much in vogue because it possesses these two prudential elements - safety and educational aesthetics.

Wooden toys for toddlers include a variety of interesting choices like wooden alphabet blocks, building blocks, puzzles, wooden trains, wooden cars, wooden animals, wooden pretend play kitchen sets, jigsaw puzzles, wooden marionettes, doll houses and a plethora of other choices that fall under the category of much appreciated and all time favorite classic wooden toys. You may even find classic handmade wooden toys that give it the human touch. There are other brainstorming games for toddlers that are composed of games like tic tac toe, checkers, ring-toss, chess and plenty more that are basically fabricated in natural wood.

Wood as a raw material has a very enchanting texture that doesn't really need being painted with extra coats of artificial colors unlike plastic and cloth toys. While some times plastic toys have the risk of being coated with toxic paint, cloth toys or stuffed toys are stitched with artificial furs that might also prove to be unsafe for your child, if brought in contact with the mouth. Children are curious and they have the tendency to put random things in their mouth. With wooden toys for toddlers you can rest your mind in peace. Also by buying wooden toys you would be doing a huge favor to Mother Earth since they are totally environment friendly. The practice of buying wooden toys for toddlers considerably reduces your carbon footprint on Earth. So go ahead and gift your child with some fine classic toys and educational wooden toys as well, that help your children develop their motor skills and allow them to add creativity to their imagination.

Friday, January 21, 2011

4 Amazing Ancient Chinese Toys You've Never Seen (But Are Available) In America

Like they are here in the U.S., toys are a huge part of China's culture. They teach children life lessons, introduce art and history, and represent the long history of the country.

2 Categories of Ancient Chinese toys to find: Ornamental and Functional

Some ancient Chinese toys are available in America too, but not in their former simplicity and at the same time intricacy that they used to be presented in. Ancient Chinese toys fall into 2 different categories. One category is ornamental toys, such as those that are primarily used as decorations for lanterns or even on a person. The other category is functional toys, which are made to be played with.

Also, there are 4 main types of toys: carved toys, sound toys, puzzles, and even edible! Learn all about them below. You can try these toys out with your friends or children to learn more about Chinese culture. If you are a teacher, these toy types also make an excellent lesson for a school class.

The 4 main types of Ancient Chinese toys

1. Carved toys. Carved toys are meant for decoration and are usually very intricate and beautiful. They are usually made from natural materials such as bamboo, stones, and even nuts. Other similar artworks are painted eggshells, clay moldings and cloth collages that look as individual as the person that made them.

2. Sound-making toys. Sounds are also a great source of entertainment, and this is shown by the diversity of euphonious toys that can be found in China. Different whistles made from porcelain, clay and bamboo are popular, as well as rattle drums that are a great favorite among children.

3. Puzzles. Chinese put great stock in developing their children's knowledge, so they came up with different puzzle games such as the jigsaw puzzle and the puzzle rings that have baffled even Western mathematicians.

4. Food. Toy-making even extends to food. In certain regions flour is used as raw material for different sculptures, coming up with steamed animal figures. Some also use melted sugar as a pen with which to draw different shapes and figures. Children can go wild playing with their candy figures, and then eat them afterwards.

Ancient Chinese Toys: How to get your own

These and a great number of other Chinese toys have been around for centuries, and are a great way to teach the younger generation the rich culture and history of the Chinese. Some of these toys were brought over to America, but most of them remain undiscovered.

Imagine the sense of connecting with the past one could get by playing with these ancient Chinese toys, as well as a different kind of fun and appreciation brought by the uniqueness of these toys. Luckily, more and more American businesses are starting to pick up on fun Chinese toys and provide them for sale in stores and online.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Classic Wooden Toys for Toddlers Are Favorite for Generations

Caution is practiced with almost every little thing we do these days. The world is changing and is rather competitive in terms of almost all aspects. In this much profit-driven commercial sector of the human lifestyle there is no dearth to businesses that strive to sell their products to you by hook or by crook. They offer incredible discounts and cheap rates and we easily fall prey to the lucrative deals. However, in some instances one just cannot afford to take chances with the quality and durability and safety standards. Particularly when the consumers are innocent and playful little kids you cannot be more careful in selecting the perfect set of toys for them that they spend most of their time with.

Classic wooden toys have existed for centuries, have taken us through the most early part of growing up with a lot of educational as well as entertainment value attached to it and still remain to play a significant role in the lives of every new kid on the block. When one thinks of toys they are flooded with a million choices these days with the increasing influence of technology and other advancements in toy making. From metal to high-grade plastic from stuffed toys to hi-tech toys like video games, the material used and the game strategies used have undergone a constant make-over to facilitate toddlers with something new and innovative every time. However, what is the guarantee when it comes to the safety issues and educational value. Fortunately, wooden toys are not extinct, but still very fashionable, because it has these two elements of regulation - safety and aesthetic education.

Wooden toys for children include a variety of interesting features, such as wooden alphabet blocks, wooden blocks, puzzles, wooden trains, wooden cars, wooden toys, kitchen sets wooden role play, puzzles, dolls wooden , doll houses and a wealth ofother decisions, the toys fall into the category of high value and all-time favorite classic wood. You can also find traditional wooden toys handmade by him to touch people. There are other games of "brainstorming" for children, games such as Tic Tac Toe, Checkers, ring-throwing, chess and much more, which are basically made of natural wood are put together.

Wood as raw material has a very beautiful painting that will not really need extraof artificial colors unlike plastic and cloth toys. While some times plastic toys have the risk of being coated with toxic paint, cloth toys or stuffed toys are stitched with artificial furs that might also prove to be unsafe for your child, if brought in contact with the mouth. Children are curious and they have the tendency to put random things in their mouth. With wooden toys for toddlers you can rest your mind in peace. Also by buying wooden toys you would be doing a huge favor to Mother Earth since they are totally environment friendly. The practice of buying wooden toys for toddlers considerably reduces your carbon footprint on Earth. So go ahead and gift your child with some fine classic toys and educational wooden toys as well, that help your children develop their motor skills and allow them to add creativity to their imagination.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

3D Jigsaw Puzzles - An Educational and Unique Gift Idea

There are a lot of things that our kids will want for Christmas toys for their birthdays o., handheld game to game consoles, bikes, dolls, etc., are among the gifts most often by boys. There is nothing wrong with giving your child toys, but once in a while, it's also nice to give them time to think about is something, but what they learn patience and creativity, their own 3D puzzle>Puzzles.

If you think that your child is with enough toys to last them their childhood, then why not try giving them something like a 3D Jigsaw Puzzles for a change? True that this is more challenging that the ordinary jigsaw puzzles that you may have bought or gifted them with before. Honestly speaking, there is nothing ordinary about creating their very first 3D Jigsaw Puzzles.

The designs vary, as anything under the sun has been created to 3d puzzles. They can easily put together the Eiffel tower, The golden gate bridge, Mickey Mouse, and so on and so forth. If you think that your kid won't find it entertaining enough, wait until you see their first reaction when they actually finish their first puzzle.

Teaching them to be patient in creating one is a virtue that is hard to pass on to the kids of today. Most of them are prone to whining once they fail to do something on their own. But if in an early age, you instill in them the value of patience, your child will never go wrong. Who knows what can be done, if they come with patience. Bet you did not whine here and there.

Another good thing that the construction of 3D puzzles, children can make the order is yours, is that they teach, not as now coupled with the usual games. Denying them the opportunity to creatively at a young age is another thing you use when they grow up.

So if you plan toTreat your child or a child anything in particular education and unique, because it is not required to make its 3D puzzle? You will be thrilled as they like.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Because children (and adults) need toys

While children can enjoy toys through all stages of their development, and are often happy, play with objects from their environment, at home or must make available to the gentle guidance in learning, the only toy.

Younger children and infants and young children are engaged in the acquisition of skills that we adults take for granted. They need toys, more about their world and their bodies to be theprovide a lot of weight, texture, colors and shapes. They need toys that make noise and be used to respond to them.

While Mom and Dad spend doing things like singing and playing and talking with a baby and a child can not teach them about colors, shapes and sounds without the help of toys. shape sorter toys, puzzles, and blocks are a wonderful example as a toy, a child, form, texture and weight to teach colors. They area child learn to fine motor skills and cognitive problem-solving. Toys promotion, such as sand and water tables are another great way for children to discover the world through experimentation with water and sand and how it moves and feels when poured containers and wheels. Balls also make excellent toys for teaching motor skills of a child as throwing and catching.

Adults need to play with their child and help them to know what to dowith these toys and his gentle guidance and education, a child can do most of the toys and learn from their experiences.

Older children need to learn concepts such as sharing and negotiation skills, problem solving and responsibility, and these concepts and practices can be taught by some toys to promote these, which is known.

Older children enjoy outdoor play on devices in swimming pools and sand boxes with bats,Racquets and balls. These types of activities to teach children how to make better use of their facilities in terms of motor skills and develop hand-eye coordination. ball games and outdoor games also teach how to learn a fair child with other children and with the guidance of an adult, may also be a good sport to play, gracefully winners and losers.

puzzle and board games are another great way that adults can teach children the patience, the process of elimination, strategy andSharing. board games are a great way to promote time with family and learn to enjoy the company of your family by learning important lessons.

Toys such as game consoles and more expensive toys are things that an adult teaching a child responsibility for the care of her and also a balanced and moderate use of these toys. Things like chemistry sets and games of science are a sneaky way to present informationthe world and to promote an active interest in academic pursuits. The older children to be creative and toys such as paints, woodwork set, sketch pad and production jewelry, etc. helps adults for their children's love for the arts and to encourage self-expression, an important contribution a healthy self-esteem assessment.

So, regardless of age of your child's toys are a must have for every family. Educating children is a toy and is somehowThe adults can not or do not have the time or energy. Toys give advice on what and how adults can teach children certain skills and concepts for their growth. The children from toys to know their world and learn to interact successfully with other children. To ensure that the right toys for your child all you need is a little research and with the help of technology, you can only read toys that can not use it onlineBuy toys online.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Educational Wooden Toys

And 'advisable for parents to break the monotony that sometimes the purchase of electronic and plastic toys for their children. Wooden Toys are a great alternative to the usual modern toys. Wooden toys are a unique selection of toys that have gained immense popularity. The companies that make wooden toys, educational toys offer high-quality wood. Educational toys wooden worldwide are preferred by parents as a whole,because they are environmentally friendly and have no sharp edges hurt children. They are also very durable and are a wise investment to learn, enjoy and give as gifts to friends and relatives.

Wooden puzzles to teach children problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. Put a nice wooden educational toys such as the sequencing of the heel leads the children in complex spatial processing. This toy teaches hand-eye coordination, harmonization andColor Sorting and advanced reasoning skills. Wooden Toys in the forms of riddles and puzzles that tease the intellect are very popular toys for children. They entertain children and help them think laterally to develop their skills.

Puzzle, puzzle, shapes, with different images and various forms are few buildings abundant educational wooden toys. This wooden toy, because of its colorful look and soundStructure, make great companions for children.

There are wooden educational toys for all age groups. Children's toys such as wooden alphabet blocks and alphanumeric are soft and colorful. They are made for safety and durability and are designed to arouse curiosity and senses of a child. Other wooden toys for children include different types of animals, sorter pounding toys, vehicles and action games. Most of the companies producing toys have their own websites andprovide a way to order online. This site shows pictures and prices of the entire range of toys available.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Kids Puzzles as development aid

Solve the puzzle is a great way for children, their ability to develop important hand-eye coordination and motor. The simplest type of puzzles are those that include slot shape, with a child is shaped by different needs to be manipulated to form stones, and the corresponding. These are suitable for children aged between one and helps them develop basic problem solving and hand-eye coordination.

The puzzles are very popular with children. Jigsaws of increasing difficulty for a wide range of ages and stages of development. Puzzle board to use a handful of pieces to form, the corresponding holes in one. The number of pieces can only up to a distance of four thousand. Often with the puzzle for smaller pieces of the puzzle are decorated in a way that properly placed together in a whole picture together. The compilation of this simplePuzzle not only to aid hand-eye coordination, but also to develop the memory of a child. Jig is designed for older children contain letters and numbers so that they do with the alphabet and learn basic numeric skills.

Other puzzles designed for children are based on the coordination of colors and shapes. The aid will go hand-eye coordination, but also to encourage your child to distinguish between different shapes and colors. These are basic problem-solvingSkills, but must be developed and ready for the big challenges are essential.

The puzzles are a valuable aid for skills development. However, it is important to take the children to those introduced for their age group. Children, in particular, can not dissolve very frustrated with puzzles that have been. Often this is simply because they have not yet developed the processes necessary hand-eye coordination or thought of everythingthem.

Introduction puzzles for young children is a convenient way for them to develop their skills important manual dexterity, memory and coordination. As they get older, they will be able to develop skills, more complex puzzles to encourage the development of language and numerically. It 'important to help your child with the first puzzle. While puzzle increasingly comfortable with the idea, will be able to complete on their own, have aa rewarding experience for you and your child.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Children can learn from the toys?

Toys are just for fun, right? Though it might seem like it on the surface, in fact it's not just "educational toys" - designed and marketed as such - that offer something for your child's development. Even though educational toys seem to represent a large part of the toy market, in fact many different types of toys aid in your child's development, even if they aren't marketed as "educational." Nearly every toy designed for a toddler has some sort of educational value, whether it's a puzzle, a set of wooden building blocks, or a pedal car. There are many toys out there that provide a source of learning in addition to hours of entertainment.

As a parent, you undoubtedly want your child to have the best start in life. Research consistently shows that a child's first five years are crucial to their development. As parents, we try our best to nurture children, providing them with the same values and experiences we remember from our own childhoods. That is why it is so important for parents to promote children's early developmental stages, not only with "educational toys" but also a varied play experience to enhance their imagination, coordination, and motor skills.

Many toys and games seem to incorporate fairly specific educational goals. Toys that encourage children to reason by solving simple problems or puzzles are one of the common varieties of educational toys. Other toys promote literacy by encouraging children to identify letters and words, colors or animals. Most games and toys take advantage of a child's natural curiosity and playfulness in order to combine learning with engaging activities.

Toys don't just have to promote the development of a child's mind, however, and they don't have to be strictly "educational toys" to aid in a child's development. Outdoor toys are a great way to encourage exercise, the The growth of the imagination of the child, and better coordination. soccer balls, swings and ride-on toys, are just some of the ways to promote your child's coordination and muscle development.

The market for educational toys seems to grow more and more every year as a toy company, and child psychologists are looking for new ways to optimize the learning of young children, but it is often the classic toys are the best. Too often, battery operated toystell children exactly how to interact with them, leaving little room for imagination. On the other hand, the classics that you probably remember as a child - pedal cars, hula hoops, and wooden blocks, to name a few - inspire children to make up games and story lines, enhancing their imagination.

If you're a parent and want to purchase toys that will have a great educational value for your child or children, stick to the classics. Whether you want your child to learn letters, , Colors, animals, or work on their balance and coordination, are numbers there is no doubt a toy, the perfect is suitable. Toy is both incredibly fun and incredibly educational, so you can use your child's curiosity to strengthen the 'natural learning habits.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzles Help Toddler Development

Wooden puzzles encourage many types of physical and emotional development among toddlers, while at the same time providing durable, low-cost toys for toddlers. Non-toxic puzzles with smooth-edged pieces are safe for toddlers, as well as easy for them to pick up and move around.

With today's global economy, there are a slew of wooden puzzles to choose from. Costs are relatively low thanks to slave labor wages paid to oppressed workers in China and other communist economies. Popular brands include Melissa & Doug, Ravensburger, and Parker Brothers.

Wooden puzzles can help toddlers develop their physical motor skills and their hand-eye coordination. Because a puzzle requires the child to manipulate several relatively small objects, this will develop their physical skills. They will learn to visually match the puzzle piece with its corresponding space on the puzzle board, and then will learn to physically manipulate and fit the piece into that space. They will also have to match colors and shapes on the board to colors and shapes on their puzzle pieces, which will engage multiple areas of the child's brain.

Puzzles can improve a toddler's cognitive skills, in particular their problem-solving and reasoning skills. Each puzzle piece fits in a precise location, and the child may have to rotate the puzzle piece or flip it over. A toddler may become frustrated at first as they struggle to make the piece fit. However, with continued puzzle play, the toddler's problem-solving skills will improve with repeated successes at solving their problem (making the puzzle piece fit).

Problem-solving requires persistence and steadfastness to stay with the task until it is solved. It requires breaking the problem down into smaller steps, then solving each step one at a time, while maintaining a focus on completing the overall objective. Each of these problem-solving skills is required by puzzles. As children grow and develop better skills, puzzles can grow increasingly more challenging in order to continue promoting skill development at higher levels with increasing degrees of difficulty. Puzzles can even teach the child patience, as a puzzle piece that does not fit one way will ultimately fit somewhere if they keep trying.

Toddlers will also develop their spatial skills and abstract thoughts by playing with wooden puzzles. As they rotate or flip a puzzle piece to make it fit in the puzzle, they will be forced to think in three dimensions. They will have to think outside their concrete thoughts (what they can see right now) and consider abstract thoughts (whether the puzzle piece will fit if they rotate it).

Puzzles may also encourage children to think ahead about the results of their actions. They will have to consider the effect of inserting a particular puzzle piece into a particular place on the puzzle board, on the placement of the next puzzle piece.

Durable wooden puzzles from brands like Melissa & Doug and others can help foster a love of puzzles in a child that will grow along with the child, evolving from wooden puzzles to jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cubes, and crossword puzzles. These advanced puzzles offer similar benefits as wooden puzzles, from cognitive and physical development to learning abstract thought.