Toying with Learning
It’s that time of the year again! Kids are back in school. Backpacks are zipped, pencils are sharpened, but there is one more thing that 
[1]needs to be added to the shopping list. Toys! Toys can help children develop basic skills upon which almost all early childhood education rests; skills from reading and math, to social awareness and manners. These critical areas will set your child up to not only thrive inside the classroom, but enjoy learning too!
Here are a few examples of toys that can develop these skills and give children the tools they need to really distinguish themselves in class:
The ability to read not only opens up doors to learning, but having that confidence allows children to feel strongly about raising a hand to read aloud in class. Budding Reader [2] is a series of e-books that uses repetition while gradually adding new vocabulary into the story so kids can advance literacy skills with every turn of the page.
Children will encounter not only new classmates at school, but also cultures and ideas that are novel to them. Miniland Educational’s Pair Game: Learning Values [3] is a 
[4]memory matching game that promotes cultures, respect and good behaviors. Playing games is vital to increase children’s social competence and emotional maturity, which is related to school success and a child’s ability to interact positively with peers and adults.
Albert Einstein often said that he had no special talent, but he was passionately curious. From lifting a rock to see what’s underneath, to raising a hand to ask a question, curiosity drives children to find answers to the unknown. These toys and tips can give kids the skills they need to succeed in school while discovering what they are passionate about. Let them dig in the dirt and build blanket forts in the living room. This self-directed play will give children an outlet for their creativity, and a direction for their curiosity. With skills promoted and curiosity encouraged, children will see how much fun “toying with learning” can be.
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Reviewed by Ahren
Related: Toying with Learning PLAY TIPS [6]
Helpful Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
[7]Learn American Sign Language Everything you need to start signing
by James W. Guido
American Sign Language (ASL) is a vibrant, easy-to-learn language that is used by approximately half a million people each day. Learn American Sign Language is the most comprehensive guide of its kind. Learn more than 800 signs, including signs for school, workplace, home, out and about, food and drink, emotions, small talk, and more.
Amazon.com [7]
[8]The Prince Who Was Just Himself
by Silke Schnee
In this whimsical children’s book, the royal couple is looking forward to the birth of their third child. “He looks a little different,” muses the king. “He is not like the others,” agrees the queen. Soon they notice what special person he truly is. This book is a great tool for parents and teachers to use with their children to explain Down syndrome and other disabilities.
Amazon.com [9]
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [10] for the form.
Read More Products You Can Use [11]
Helpful Articles
- Embracing Your Child’s Best Ways of Learning 12 Different Ways to Learn [12]
- Making Learning Fun: Teaching Pivotal Skills [13]
- Practical Tools for Learning Anywhere [14]
- Top-Five Brain Boosting Foods for Children with Learning Disabilities [15]
- Reiki and Children with Learning Disabilities [16]
- Language and Literacy Learning: Success With Technology [17]
- Seven Unexpected Ways to Increase Your Child’s Learning [18]
- Explore and Discover Our World With the Help of These Apps [19]
- The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys [20]
You May Also like
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs [21]
- 18 “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids/Teens with Special Needs [22]
- Holiday Gift Guide: Give Gifts That Fuel Creativity, Create Music and Challenge Your Child to Learn [23]
- Special Resources: This Season Give the Gift of Knowledge [24]
- Gift Guide from the Fitness Guy [25]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2015 Magazine [26]