From Dr. Toy:
Classic Toys
are Never Out of Style
By Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D
Classic toys are always
dependable. These long lasting toys “keep
on playing” long after the batteries and latest fads
are long gone. Where do you turn for a selection that provides
a timeless, fun experience that will hold 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 Best
Classic Products included are sure to please children at home
and in school.
Construction Fun inside the Creator Tub
This is a useful and
practical addition to toy collection. Tub is full of colorful
bricks for little builders to engage in constructive open-ended
play. The variety allows child to turn whatever is imagined
into new models. Pieces can be used over again. The set has
1,000 pieces in a variety of fun colors. Lego is a family-owned
and managed company founded in Billund, Denmark by carpenter
Ole Kirk Christiansen, grandfather of current president.
Ole Kirk opened his carpentry shop in 1916. In 1932, he began
making wooden toys, including buses, animal toy pulls and
piggy banks. In 1934, he selected LEGO¨ for
his new toy business. The name LEGO is a contraction of two
Danish words “leg” and “godt” meaning “playwell.” Lego
means, “I put together” in Latin. Lego produced
its first plastic toys, including baby rattles and toy tractors
in 1947. Today, LEGO includes more than 3,000 elements. Ages
four to twelve. $29.99. Lego Systems 800-453-4652; www.lego.com
Games Challenge Thinking with All-Star Baseball
This fun game of classic
baseball allows a child to play the role of Big League manager.
Real player stats are translated into unique Player Discs.
They are used with a Spinner to reproduce realistic batting
performances by favorite baseball players. The game comes
complete with 35 player discs, at-bat spinner, base runners
and replica stadium with scoreboard and storage unit. Childrens’ imaginations unfold as they engage in
educational hands-on play. Cadaco, founded in 1935, is one
of America’s oldest independent family-owned game and
toy companies. Cadaco game classics include Tripoley¨ Ages
eight to twelve. $11.99. Cadaco 800-621-5426 www.cadaco.com
Building Brains
Block by Block with Dr. Drew’s Discovery
Blocks
These
unique, well-produced wooden blocks will keep little ones
engaged in creative play. They are perfect and safe for small
hands and simple patterns. In larger hands of junior engineers
and architects, blocks become fantastic structures and sculptural
works of art. Carefully made of kiln dried North American
beech wood, they are all the same size. The blocks measure
3” x 1/2” and
come in a canvas bag. Little builders are amazed at the structural
patterns they can create. They inspire imagination and lead
to a world of discovery. Dr. Drew’s Blocks were first
introduced in Boston in 1975 as a math manipulative for early
childhood education. Developed by Walter F. Drew, Ed.D, the
blocks are perfectly simple, natural and beautifully exciting
for young children. Ages two to twelve. $59.95. Dr. Drew’s
Toys, 321-984-1018; www.drdrewsblocks.com
Creativity
Supported by Bristle Blocksª Table
This creative construction
product helps children develop imagination and self-confidence.
It is a sturdy wooden table that measures twelve inches in
height. The tabletop is an interlocking board that child
can build on. It comes with 108 interlocking blocks in different
shapes, colors and sizes. Children can design and create
with ease. This table also features a handy storage bin/drawer
that hides under the table where all the pieces can be stored.
Table measurements: 17 1Ú4 “x
12 7/8 “W x 12” H. Ages three to twelve. $60.00.
Battat 800-847-6144 www.battatco.com.#
Stevanne Auerbach,
Ph.D. Director of the Institute of Childhood Resources,
writes Dr. Toy’s Guide (www.drtoy.com) and
is author of Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child
with a High P.Q. (Play Quotient): Educational Insights.
