Karen’s Favorite Educational Toys
As a teacher, I always have a bag of tricks to get kids to attend and meet their goals. When I do story and playgroups my toys also come out. They keep the kids entertained and I can always use them in variety of ways- colors, shapes, counting, attending, play skills with others and more.
Disclosure: I received some of these items for review, others are personal buys for my kids/students. Some links are affiliate links also.
My Must Haves
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- Antsy Pants- 5 Piece Stepping Stones, Age: 4+ “Kids can test balancing skills and learn colors while jumping from stone to stone. ” *can be found at Target*
- These are AWESOME. I have been using them in my sessions with kids, I put one piece of the puzzle or matching game and then they cross over to find match or complete task. This helps “busy kids” slow down, gives them some balance and control. The stepping stones are light, the kids line them up and make their own color pattern. These have been used daily and a teacher bag must since I received them. They have other active toys and play kits too that all promote creative play, make sure to check them out.
- These are AWESOME. I have been using them in my sessions with kids, I put one piece of the puzzle or matching game and then they cross over to find match or complete task. This helps “busy kids” slow down, gives them some balance and control. The stepping stones are light, the kids line them up and make their own color pattern. These have been used daily and a teacher bag must since I received them. They have other active toys and play kits too that all promote creative play, make sure to check them out.
- People Blocks Companions– These magnetic toy sets also engage their imaginations, role play and more. They come in bold colors, some have wheels to make vehicles and come with idea cards.
- Antsy Pants- 5 Piece Stepping Stones, Age: 4+ “Kids can test balancing skills and learn colors while jumping from stone to stone. ” *can be found at Target*
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- Balance Bikes– I am a HUGE fan of these over training wheel bikes. These get the kids moving and running at a young age (18m+) and then they start to run and lift feet or go down small hills balancing. Next thing you know they are on a bike pedaling away from you. You can also look up strider races, nearby to the Hudson Valley is Bethel CT, New Paltz and Kingston tracks.
- Stickers- The simplest activity with kids. Just placing on paper to making marks and having them follow directions and place sticker on your mark. 1-2 step directions you can work on, easy to bring anywhere with you. Fine motor, eye hand coordination,
- Lacing Cards– I love these for fine motor work, having kids identify the colors, shapes, and counting holes. I start by holding the shape, placing string in the hole and just having the child pull the string. Then have them place before moving on to them holding it with one hand and lacing with the other independently.
- Balance Bikes– I am a HUGE fan of these over training wheel bikes. These get the kids moving and running at a young age (18m+) and then they start to run and lift feet or go down small hills balancing. Next thing you know they are on a bike pedaling away from you. You can also look up strider races, nearby to the Hudson Valley is Bethel CT, New Paltz and Kingston tracks.
- Sorting Bears– Color identify, color sort into cups and counting are just the beginning. Then I will use the bears for patterns- ABAB to ABB to ABCABC patterns as the child gets older.
These toys are UNPLUGGED too! While I don’t have an issue with technology, its all within moderation especially if they are playing with active toys and engaging with people, parents and siblings. There are
