Learning Through Play
Kindergarten-age children are starting to navigate the world like the "big" kids we often tell them they are, and it's an exciting time developmentally. Toys can be a great way to help them master all sorts of new skill sets. Here are some great toys for kindergartners that will help them grow through play.
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is squeezable sand that sticks to itself. It can be shaped and molded easily. The bonus for parents is that it is super easy to clean up. (Because, let's be honest, no parent loves sand trailing all over the house!)
To buy: Amazon, $28
Acuity
Acuity is a flip, turn and matching game. Players can work alone or together to find matching patterns. It's great for developing visual perception skills while allowing your child to feel as if they're playing a "big kid" board game.
To buy: Amazon, $21
Crazy Forts
Seriously, though, what kid wouldn't love something called Crazy Forts?! Using sticks and balls with holes in them, kids can build endless forts and then cover their finished structure with bed sheets for an awesome hideout.
To buy: Amazon, $44
Chalk Track
Attach this device to a bicycle and create awesome chalk trails as you ride. It's a great way to encourage physical activity. There's also a version that attaches to scooters if that's your kindergartner's preferred mode of transportation.
To buy: Amazon, $10
USA Map Sound Puzzle
When children match correct pieces of this puzzle to each other, the puzzle recites the names of the states and state capitols. It's great for developing matching skills, reinforcing cause and effect, and learning the states.
To buy: Amazon, $22
Super Skipper
Rainy days don't have to be sedentary days. The Super Skipper works as well indoors as it does outdoors. Players jump to the music as the pole turns around the base. There are three adjustable height and skipping modes. And an added bonus for Mom: All of that jumping may make bedtime that much easier. You're welcome!
To buy: Amazon, $40
Thomas and Friends Breakaway Bridge
First of all, what kindergartner doesn't love Thomas the Train? Secondly, this mini-railroad set is perfect if you don't want to commit to the giant set that comes with a million pieces. The motorized train provides hours of entertainment for any little kid, allowing them to engage their fine motor skills and their imagination. And their reaction when Thomas makes it across the "breakaway bridge"? Priceless.
To buy: Amazon, $20
Duracell Batteries
Don't use anything but the best for all of those electronic toys your child can't get enough of. Duracell lasts longer in 99% of devices vs. the next leading competitor*, so make sure you always have some extra on hand. We all know there's nothing worse than having your child's favorite toy stop working mid-play.
*AA size. Based on ANSI performance tests. Results vary by device and usage patterns. Next leading alkaline based on market sales data.
Squigz
Squigz are "fun little suckers" designed for suction construction. Great for developing kids' fine-motor skills and stimulating their creativity.
To buy: Amazon, $22
Spot It Jr.
In this matching game, each card has six bright animals of different sizes. There is always only one match between two cards, and players compete to be the first to find the match. It's great for developing attention, motor skills and visual perception. Also perfect for a rainy day.
To buy: Amazon, $9
Simon
There is a reason this game has withstood the test of time and become a classic! Simon is a "retro" electronic game that is fun for kids of all ages and can be played solo or in groups. The challenge is to repeat an incrementally increasing pattern of lights and sounds.
To buy: Amazon, $19
