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How to pick toys for your kids
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rom fostering a love of science
to building vocabulary, the toys
your children play with can
have a large impact on their interests
and brain development. So when it
comes to playtime, parents are becom-
ing more selective.
With this in mind, smart toymakers
are aiming to design toys that are not
only fun but also foster learning.
For example, VTech, a world leader
in age-appropriate and developmental
stage-based electronic learning prod-
ucts for children, has assembled a team
of child development experts to provide
feedback on their toys before they hit
the store shelves.
The members of
VTech's panel of experts
are offering some help-
ful hints to parents
looking to get "smart"
about toys for their
kids.
important concepts and related skills
at a young age with toys that emphasize
numbers, counting and beginning con-
cepts with whole number operations"
•Science and math: "You have
probably heard a lot about the growing
importance of integrating the learn-
ing of STEM — science, technology,
engineering and mathematics in K-12
schools" says Dr. Carla C. Johnson, sci-
ence and STEM expert. "It is critical to
foster a love and skills in STEM for boys
and girls alike with educational toys
that develop self-confidence in the use
and application of technology"
•Build vocabulary: "Children
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"Toys can create a
bonding experience
between parent and
child. Look for toys that
emphasize this connec-
tion," says Dr. Helen
Boehm, psychologist,
author and parenting
resource expert.
"For example, a tablet
that lets your kids chat
safely with you while
you're on the go is a great way to bond
with them while they are having fun."
•Age appropriate: "Children's
brains develop at a remarkable pace,
and their toys should keep up with
their development" says Dr. Lise Eliot,
an early childhood mental develop-
ment expert. "Toys that are too young
or too old get boring or frustrating.
Make sure you're keeping your kids
challenged with educational toys that
are just right for their age:'
Consider child-sized, age-appropri-
ate tablets that have the look and feel
of adult mobile devices, but are packed
with educational, stage-based learning
content.
•Add it up: "Mathematical founda-
tions provide the building blocks for
future success, both in school and
for the rest of a child's life says Dr.
Francis (Skip) Fennell, mathematics
educator. "Support and encourage
your children as they develop these
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absorb new information like sponges.
Take advantage of their blossoming
interests with interactive toys that
highlight letters of the alphabet, the
sounds letters make and vocabulary"
says Dr. Deborah Sharp Libby, early
childhood language and reading
expert. "Above all, don't forget the
importance of reading to and with
your children often"
• Choose wisely: "Don't get carried
away with the bells and whistles. You
and your kids will quickly look past
those. Instead look for toys that active-
ly engage your kids through technol-
ogy by deeply integrating games and
learning" says Dr. Eric Klopfer, plat-
form learning expert.
By blurring the lines of play and
education, you can develop an early
love of learning and set up your chil-
dren for success.
❑
Courtesy of StatePoint
JN
November 21 • 2013 41