Before educational television and electronic toys, there were wooden blocks. For centuries, parents have been giving their little ones these simple yet fun toys to entertain them and aid in development.
Parents who are concerned with the educational value of their children's toys will appreciate the value of blocks. Not only do kids love to play with blocks, but they also learn in the process. Kids learn in many different ways. First, many sets have alphabet and even numbers painted on them. Alphabet blocks can be stacked, used to build things, and can be used to learn how numbers and letters look and sound. Children will love it when mom or dad gets down with them and plays too and you will have the perfect opportunity to try to teach your child what each letter is.
Another benefit of these blocks can be seen in the increased attention span and learning ability of some children. We all learn in different ways, either by hearing, reading, seeing, or doing. Kids that learn kinesthetically, by doing, will benefit more from wooden blocks than from any educational television show or lecture. These children learn best when they can actually experience what they are trying to grasp. Not only will they better learn to perform tasks like stacking and building, they will often find learning things like the alphabet easier if they can relate it to a physical activity such as block play.
Wooden blocks offer the added benefit of being great construction toys. Besides regular square shapes, a variety of different shapes are available to encourage kids to experiment with their own creative construction projects. Regular wooden blocks are great construction toys, but architectural blocks make it even more interesting and fun. Architectural blocks are also made of wood but include many different shapes and sizes. They can help little ones with development of fine motor skills, problem solving and cognitive development.
Today, there are a number of different kinds of blocks available from different manufacturers, such as Melissa and Doug, Plan Toys and many others. The educational benefits combined with the variety of different materials, shapes, sizes, and functions make blocks an ideal gift for any youngster.
Wooden blocks are probably the most common and well liked type of blocks. Foam and plastic blocks are nice but they can both be difficult to stack, often having sides that are not quite even, or are misshapen after too many uses. Wooden blocks have smooth sides and can stand up to years of abuse from any toddler.
Melissa and Doug is one of the leading manufacturers of many kinds of toys, including wooden blocks. Started in 1988, their toys have been helping children learn for years. While some are made of cardboard, with a wipe clean surface, most of the blocks they offer are made of wood. There are several styles and functions of these blocks giving each set limitless possibilities. Melissa and Doug make quality toys that can stand up to your child's play, and won't wear out like so many toys these days do.
The next time you're shopping for the toddler in your life, consider the educational benefits of wooden blocks. Not only will you be giving them a great, durable toy, but also they will have fun learning without ever realizing it.
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