I have been asked many times as a teacher and mother what are the best learning resources for creative play? My answer is always wooden toys, for many reasons.
Wooden toys offer excellent educational value and provide children with a learning through play experience that involves them learning a skill within the school curriculum such as maths, literacy or science. Through this journey of play, they can problem solve when they make mistakes independently and in a way which enhances their skills.
As a mother, I have a whole range of early learning toys for my little toddler. Who is constantly on the move and needs a new interest every 2 minutes? Her toys are all displayed on shelves ready for her to explore and interact with. This has helped her to see her toys easily and choose which toys to play with. I also rotate her toys every few days to allow her to play with a wider range of toys and keep things exciting for her. Too many toys to choose from can be overwhelming for a child and overstimulating.
When buying toys for my child or my classroom I select toys that are tools rather than entertainment/activity centres. I want to stimulate and encourage creative thinking, imaginative play and teamwork. Zanypig has a fantastic selection of creative play and role play toys. The wooden kitchen, garden greenhouse, royal castle, tool bench and tools are great examples. These all stimulate imagination and strengthen social and emotional skills which are so important especially due to the lockdown where children’s skills were stunted in all of these areas.
Puzzle Toys
Jigsaw puzzles for children are more than just entertainment; they are a gateway to a world of creativity and cognitive development. Engaging in the assembly of colorful and diverse pieces encourages young minds to think critically, enhance spatial awareness, and sharpen problem-solving skills. As children connect shapes, colors, and images, they exercise their imagination and gain a sense of accomplishment with each completed puzzle. This creative activity also promotes patience, attention to detail, and the ability to visualize the bigger picture—a valuable set of skills that extend beyond the puzzle table. In fostering a love for puzzles, children not only embark on a journey of artistic exploration but also cultivate the fundamental building blocks of a curious and inquisitive mind.
Crafting Kits
Craft kits for children open the door to a world of imagination and artistic expression. These kits are a treasure trove of creativity, providing kids with the tools and materials to bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or crafting, these activities encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. As children dive into the array of colors, textures, and shapes, they not only create tangible masterpieces but also cultivate problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking. Craft kits foster a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence and self-esteem as children proudly showcase their handmade creations. Beyond the finished product, the process of crafting instills patience, focus, and a love for exploring one’s own unique artistic voice, making these kits an invaluable source of joy and learning for young minds.
Wooden Toys for Toddlers
With so many benefits of wooden toys for toddlers. Here are just some of the many reasons I choose to buy traditional wooden toys.
Eco-Friendly Toys
Eco-friendly wooden toys are the ultimate plastic-free toys. Wooden toys are usually made from sustainably sourced wood and coloured using non toxic child friend colours. Ideal for curious little ones who experience through their mouths. Wood is also recyclable and biodegradable and a renewable substance. Furthermore, you will not find any batteries in wooden toys. As battery operated toys are believed to only entertain a child and diminish creativity or concentration.
Early Learning Toys
Wooden toys are great as early learning tools. With such a wide variety of choices of wooden toys, children can learn so much from playing with wooden toys. As they usually come with no instructions. Children can enjoy creative and imaginative play which will develop children’s reasoning skills, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Traditional wooden toys such as a Wooden Abacus, Shut the Box and Counting Sticks will help younger children to start to count and understand numbers.
Wooden Toys Develop Social Interaction
Wooden toys for toddlers are ideal for playing with their friends and will help develop their social and emotional skills. Role play toys such as Kitchens and playing shop allows children to explore and act out real-life situations. This will help develop communication skills, cooperation and problem-solving, all important life skills.
Heirloom Toys
Wooden Toys are strong and durable and will stand the pace of time. Making wooden toys ideal for handing down to become heirloom toys. Passed to a sibling or friend to be loved, played with and cherished forever.
Introducing our New Guest Blogger
I hope you have enjoyed my first blog for Zanypig. I loved writing it. My name is Joanna Warren and I have been teaching in outstanding schools in London for 8 years. During Lockdown I opened a Facebook group Learning Through Play with Miss Warren initially to help and support parents with homeschooling. The group is now worldwide and still helping parents and teachers inspire children through creative play. I have two girls under 3 years and love mummy life.
