November 29, 2011
Do you think toddlers need lots of educational toys?
Question by Dynamite Lady: Do you think toddlers need lots of educational toys?
I just got an easel for painting/chalkboard and four wooden puzzles with knobs on the pieces and more age appropriate books for my grandbaby. What other toys would help a 16 month old?
Best answer:
Answer by Melissa
I don’t think kids need a lot of toys. You might look at the book “Unplugged Play” It has a great index in the back with a list of good items to have to encourage creative and independent play.
If I had to pick a top few, I’d go Melissa and Doug brand toys, with the plain wooden blocks, small wooden dolls with a doll house, a few balls of various sizes, and some music instruments (maracas, drums, recorder). In a few short months, go for sand boxes, finger paints, crayons or markers and LOTs of paper.
What do you think? Answer below!
IQ Baby Knock-Knock Blocks
- 16 soft building blocks
- Feather light to the touch
- Covered with satin
- Peek-a-boo fun
- Teaches cause and effect
7 Comments on Do you think toddlers need lots of educational toys? »
November 29, 2011
Alaina B @ 9:14 pm:
Uhh not really! there are a lot of toys you can use that will help a children learn and explore without spending any money. Like pots and pans or like a bucket, sponges, and tongs. The bucket, sponges, and tongs will help strengthen the child’s finger and will help then learn to use scissors.
banana @ 9:42 pm:
no.
Dan T @ 10:28 pm:
Try looking at http://www.thefrugalparent.com/ for a list of fun and educational toys
* JaRiiTza * @ 10:45 pm:
uhhhmm..i think the answer is no..because when you are a toddler you learn alot…from what is said around you..things that are being seen {etc.} so i feel that it is not necessary for children to have alot of educational toys
Ace @ 11:18 pm:
I think Toddlers need an equal amount of educational toys and independent environmental experiences. It’s amazing the things you can entertain a toddler with! At 16 months they love to dance to music (maybe educational songs), musical instruments, Playdough, they love to read, Puzzles are great, bubbles, beanbags, crayons. Anything that stimulates motor skills at this age is appropriate. They should be learning how to color, kick, attempting to jump, rocking on a toy horse, the idea of balance (bean bags on head), throw a ball/bounce a ball, using a spoon to eat, just to name a few.
I use to work with one year old’s in a pre-school environment. We would also use our imaginations a lot. Imagine what you can do with a box. Pretend your rowing a boat, racing a car, Puppet shows.
Exploring outdoors is most important, this is where they learn about the world, sun, sky, grass. Magnifying glasses are neat, any outdoor exploring toys, or just a bird feeder, so they can watch/explore birds. Just some ideas, hope it helps.
Good Luck,
Ace
Teri @ 11:18 pm:
Some toys are great, but be sure to introduce them to BOOKS very early on, too! Kids love stories, and love to page through books made just for them. Check Usborne Books for some great books in their age levels http://www.ubah.com/g2687
Discovery Toys also has some great toys for kids – sturdy and educational!