We as a family do not believe in screen time as an educational tool. Children that use screens are less likely to love reading and their imagination will be dumb down.
As a teacher I have seen this many times over. But on the flip side the children that love reading is also the independent learners that are eager to learn and do not only academically thrive but also in other aspects of life.
Therefor I want my children to foremost be good readers that have a love for reading and then be able to use their imagination for play, even without toys.
So to encourage reading my husband made me a "bookshelf" similar to the one below so that the children will have access to books all the time.
For children 0-3 years old I do recommend an open space for them to play and open ended toys that stimulates their imagination.
1) Blocks
Duplo is a great toy that kids of all ages love. Wooden blocks is so easy to make and kids can make it in to any thing they want.
2) Puzzles and fine motor skill- games
Chunky wooden puzzles are great for little hands and are a lot of fun to play with.
Any wooden toys that are used for fine motor skill practice are a great tool.
Stacker toys3) Sorting toys
You can use a shape sorter or small to large or sort by colour, they will all serve the same purpose: to practice visual discrimination and fine motor skills.
4) Musical toys
Not the kind of toys that makes music for the child but toys that the child uses to make music.
5) Movement toys
Toys that the child can manipulate to move. Think toys like balls, wooden cars, trains and helicopters.
What educational toys do you love?
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