Classic Toys Never Go Out of Style—Part 2
by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
You can count on classic toys. These are the long lasting toys that “keep on playing” long after the batteries and latest fads are gone. Where do you turn for a selection that provides a timeless, fun experience that will hold your child’s interest? It’s time to turn back the clock! Look for toys that have remained valued playthings since they were first introduced ten or more years ago. These are the lasting favorites of all children who have played with them. The selections of our Best Classic Products are included here.
Gamewright Slamwich—10th Anniversary $11.99 6--12 yrs. 800-638-7568 www.gamewright.com
You flip and stack a loaf of cards to build Slamwiches and double-deckers. There are different “fillings” for the sandwiches. You have to catch anyone taking their sandwich and stop “munchers” from taking the stack of cards. When you’re out of cards you’re out of the game. The first player to collect all of the cards wins. Instructions come in Spanish and French. The playing time is about 20 minutes. This is one of the most popular games. It comes in a great little carrying case in the shape of a sandwich. This is a fast-flipping card game for two to six players.
Learning Fastenations Touch, Grip & Read $118.95 5--8 yrs. 800-252-8152
The idea of flannel boards has been in the classroom for a long time allowing teachers to stimulate children’s verbal and communication skills. These Velcro reading boards with Velcro letters and accessories are an interactive way to help your child expand their reading, spelling skills and communication skills. The board has been re-designed, is phonics based, and an easy hands-on way to benefit from multi-sensory strategies used in the classroom. It is discovery oriented, but parents can also structure lessons and activities using the parent/child activity guide. It can be easily adapted to each child’s ability.
Touch, Grow and Grip are multi-sensory Velcro letters in grip shapes. Layer the letters and word chunks on each other. It can be used over and over again. Your child’s name can be added to the frame. The entire set includes the Activity Guide, an assortment of 200 letters, flip books, rectangles, squares, animals and containers and is a perfect product for homeschooling and for classrooms. Miriam was a special ed teacher and has developed a set of products that are very valuable to all children.
The inventor of the new product, Miriam Langsam has been developing a variety of excellent boards for classrooms for many years. These include learning experiences in math, reading, language and puppets and telling time. These also recently include Poetry Pals which are 14 rhyming stories with an animated read-along video and other products that are included in her catalog.#
Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of Childhood Resources, writes Dr. Toy’s Guide (www.drtoy.com) and is author of new book Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. (Play Quotient) Educational Insights.
