How to Choose an Educational Toy Infographic

How can parents be sure that the toys they choose for their children are not only safe and fun, but also have a learning component? The How to Choose an Educational Toy Infographic helps parents make smart toy choices with suggestions for choosing an educational toy.

The Big Picture: Toy Trends in the United States

Toys are bought for many reasons:
- holidays
- birthdays
- child requests
Americans spend approximately $22 BILLION on toys each year
American toy purchases make up approximately 25% of global toy sales
Educational toys are designed to help grow not just to entertain

Benefits of Educational Toys

Improve problem solving skills
Expand language and vocabulary skills
Increase fine and gross motor skills
Develop creativity and imagination
Encourage socialization and cooperation
Build confidence

What to Look for in an Educational Toy

Multiple Uses: Some toys, like blocks, can grow with a child. infants can gain muscle development and coordination, older children can use them to learn about spatial relationships, language, ingenuity, resourcefulness and more!
Manipulative Toys: Shape Sorters and Puzzles build cognitive and perceptual skills.
True Toys: Dolls and blocks allow children to use their imagination and creativitythere is no predetermined outcome…the sky’s the limit!
Age Appropriate: Labels are important.
Exploratory Toys: Children learn about senses, cause and effect.

Via: http://www.kafamilyessentials.com/2014/11/toy-conundrum/