Best Toys for February Fun and Learning
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. [Dr. Toy]
Parents and teachers should look for products that have enduring qualities, are reasonably priced and will help children to learn. I suggest a good mix of children’s toys and products to help children gain essential, lifelong love of learning.
Look for toys and products that help children develop curiosity, interests and hobbies and stimulate learning.
Ask children questions about what is read and played with. Let them tell you what they like and don’t like. Learning requires all of the child’s senses. Introduce doll, puppets, robot or vehicles to stimulate exploration, expansion of role-playing and language. Use these toys to tell stories, use imagination and build conversations.
Anthony Innovations The Touch Game New game will fascinate children. It has a spinning game board, lighted observation area, built-in timer, collectible play pieces and is fun for everyone. It challenges children to practice fine motor skills, mind and sensory awareness. It can be used for special education students also. The aim is to conceal the pieces and collect them with the game cards for points. $39.99 ages 5-12 800-828-7002 www.thetouchgame.com
LeapFrog Quantum Pad Learning System provides games and activities that help children learn and have fun. The Quantum Pad learning system harnesses the power of Near Touch technology to spark students’ enthusiasm for mastering school subjects while encouraging them to learn at their own pace. Stories, games and activities make learning fundamental subjects, such as math, science and social studies, fun. Books in the Quantum Pad FUN-damental Series teach core skills specific to third, fourth, and fifth grades, such as math, science, reading, language arts, and social studies. The Above & Beyond Series lets students explore fascinating topics. For improving reading fluency and comprehension, the Great Reader Series helps children build skills through popular titles such as the Magic Tree House. $49.99 5-12 yrs. 800-701-5327 www.leapfrog.com#
Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy) selects the best educational and developmentally appropriate products annually for Dr. Toy’s Guide (http://www.drtoy.com). Dr. Auerbach graduated from Queens College, taught 6th grade in NYC and worked for the Department of Education in Washington DC. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. See Dr. Toy’s Smart Play: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. (Play Quotient), St. Martin’s Press. Send comments to Dr. Toy c/o ednews1@aol.com.
