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Before educational television and electronic toys, there were wooden blocks. For centuries, parents have given their little ones these simple yet fun toys to entertain and aid in their development.
Parents who care about the educational value of their children’s toys will appreciate the value of the blocks. Children not only love to play with blocks, but they also learn in the process. Children learn in many different ways. First of all, many games have the alphabet and even numbers painted on them. Alphabet blocks can be stacked, used to build things, and can be used to learn what numbers and letters look and sound like. Kids will love it when mum or dad sleeps with them and plays too and you’ll 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 learning and attention span of some children. We all learn in different ways, whether listening, reading, watching or doing. Children who learn kinesthetically, by doing, will benefit more from wooden blocks than from any educational television program or lecture. These children learn best when they can really experience what they are trying to understand. Not only will they learn to do tasks like stacking and building better, but they will often have an easier time learning things like the alphabet if they can relate it to a physical activity like playing with blocks.
Wooden blocks offer the added benefit of being great building toys. In addition to the regular square shapes, a variety of different shapes are available to encourage children to experiment with their own creative building projects. Regular wooden blocks make great building toys, but building blocks make it even more interesting and fun. Architectural blocks are also made from wood, but they include many different shapes and sizes. They can help little ones with fine motor skill development, problem solving, and cognitive development.
Today, there are different types 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 appreciated type of blocks. Foam and plastic blocks are nice, but both can be difficult to stack, as they often have sides that aren’t quite even or warp after too many uses. The wooden blocks have smooth sides and can withstand years of abuse from any young child.
Melissa and Doug is one of the leading manufacturers of many types 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 various styles and functions of these blocks giving each set unlimited possibilities. Melissa and Doug make quality toys that can withstand your child’s play and don’t wear out like many toys these days.
The next time you’re shopping for the toddler in your life, consider the educational benefits of wooden blocks. Not only will you give them a great, long-lasting toy, but they’ll also have fun learning without even realizing it.