5 Types of Toys for Preschoolers and Their Benefits

5 Types of Toys for Preschoolers and Their Benefits

Sure, toys are fun, but what are their benefits? In this post, we break down some of our most popular toy categories and how they actually benefit child development!

Blocks, Nesting Sets // Stacking, Counting
Stacking, sorting and counting blocks may seem simple to an adult, but to a child these basic activities are the literal building blocks of learning. Playing with blocks allows kids to develop vocabularies, introduces them to basic math principles, and even helps teach them about gravity, balance, and geometry. With block play, kids will also learn how to describe colors, shapes, sizes and positions as they build various structures.

Threading, Mazes // Pincer Grip, Fine Motor Skills
Whether it is guiding a lace through a small hole or gripping a writing implement to complete a maze, these activities help strengthen hand-eye coordination and the pincer grip. Threading is a great activity to help children develop fine motor skills for life, essential for being able to draw/write, successfully manipulate snaps, zippers and buttons, tie their shoes, and even put on their toothpaste!

Puzzles, Arranging Games // Spatial Reasoning, Problem Solving

Puzzles and arranging games are some of the most popular learning toys for kids. And for good reason! Our puzzles and arranging games come in all sorts of materials and levels of difficulty. The beauty of these types of toys is their versatility - even babies and toddlers can complete simple puzzles! Puzzle play provides a bountiful opportunity for children to build critical skills such as problem solving and spatial reasoning, because they are using trial and error to manipulate the pieces until they correctly fit.

Games // Turn taking, Following Rules, Teamwork & Collaboration
Our games range spans through all of childhood and beyond. From our First Games series to our Family Games line and everything in between - game play helps kids of all ages learn the importance of turn taking, cooperation and teamwork. Whether it is beginner concepts like learning colors, counting practice, shape and pattern recognition, or more advanced skills like logic, decision making, strategic thinking and problem solving; games help kids learn serious skills in a playful manner that are needed to succeed in school and beyond!

 

Dolls & Puppets // Imagination, Communication, Empathy
Children are wise beyond their years and dolls and puppets give them the opportunity to safely express and process complex emotions in a familiar and comfortable way. Playing with dolls is excellent for children’s social and emotional development because it trains their sense of empathy along with their social behavior. When kids play, they get lost in their own imaginary world where the rules are purely their own. When playing with our dolls and puppets, children have the opportunity to invent their own situations and conflicts, and come up with their own solutions. Child behavior can often be negatively impacted due to the stress around them. In a time where family routines are turned upside down, imaginary play is the escape children need to cope and make sense of their changing world!


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