With Thanksgiving behind us, we are diving headfirst in the winter holiday season. Some of us might have done Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping and some of us are still getting started shopping for the children in your life. Shopping can be stressful, especially when you do not know what to shop for!
Educational toys are always a good option. So, what is an educational toy? Educational toys are objects of play, generally designed for children, that are expected to stimulate learning. They are often intended to meet an educational purpose such as helping a child develop a particular skill or teaching a child about a particular subject. The purpose of educational toys is to promote learning through playing. Why do children need educational toys? Educational toys are a great way for your child to learn new skills whilst having lots of fun. They can enhance problem-solving, social skills and physical development as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem
Another reason you should choose educational toys is to decrease screen time. Our kids have been so exposed to screens whether it be the phone, a laptop from virtual school, or a television screen. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, on average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend four to six hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to nine hours. While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use may lead to problems.
Here are three educational toys and toy brands to pick up this holiday season:
Snap Circuit Boards
There are multiple different kits that you can get from $20 to $100. Through snap circuit boards, kids ages 8 and older can learn how electricity moves. Snap circuits are a fun way for children to learn more about electronics. The great thing about snap circuit sets is that they are both incredibly easy to use and totally safe. Each set contains motors, resistors, switches, transistors, and capacitors. Kids can follow the instructions and create the projects that are included or create their own circuits!
LEGOS
I think we are all very familiar with LEGOs! Forbes explains that "What you may not know is that LEGO is not a retail company or a toy company or an entertainment concern -- LEGO is an education company, probably the biggest education company in the world." LEGO was founded in 1932 with the intention to help children learn and develop by playing with interchangeable blocks. LEGOs have different sets from ages 1.5 to 18. You can find LEGOs in many stores like Walmart, Target, and Khol's. You can find them online at Amazon and the LEGO website. There are tons of farm-themed LEGO sets if you are shopping for a 4-H'er!
National Geographic
National Geographic has so many options when it comes to finding gifts for children. You can get them a subscription to the National Geographic magazine or purchase one of their sets. There are sets from $10 to $80. Some of the most popular kits are the Rocks and Fossils kit, Mega Gemstone Dig kit, Mega Slime and Putty Lab, Ultimate Play Sand, Build Your Own Volcano and so much more.
When your kids are writing their letter for Santa, or letting you know what they want for Christmas, encourage them to pick out a few educational toys. These are also fun options to include as an Angel Tree gift. I hope everyone has a blessed and safe holiday season!
4-H information
There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension Office, 501-623-6841, or email her at [email protected].
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. Meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome. Call the Extension Office at 501-623-6841 for more information.
EHC information
Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For more information on EHC, call Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected].