We often think that kids only really start to learn when they go to school. But in fact, those early years of play can be just as important. According to the National Literacy Trust, play time is essential for child development.
Through play, young children learn everything from speech and language, mathematics and art. They also learn life skills like communication, problem solving and spontaneity. And that’s just for starters. So, whatever we can do to encourage quality play time has to be welcome.
And that’s where kids’ tech comes in. Whether you want your little one to work on writing, language or maths, you’ll find a toy for that. So, here’s our guide to some essential areas for early learning and which toys can help.
For reading and language
One of the first skills kids are taught at school is the alphabet and literacy. And this can be intimidating for total beginners.
So, if kids can be introduced to these skills early, this can really help them at school. And it’s not about turning their play pen into a classroom. It’s just about them getting comfortable with, and learning to enjoy, reading and language.
There are a few approaches to this:
Ultimate bedtime stories
Reading kids a bedtime story can be a highlight of the day. But with our busy schedules, it’s not always possible. Tonieboxes are portable audio systems that let them hear stories from their favourite characters.
Pop Paddington Bear into the top of their Toniebox and they’ll hear the Peruvian bear’s adventures read by Stephen Fry. Or they can pick from loads of other great characters, like Peppa Pig or Skye from Paw Patrol.
Interactive books
For day play, an interactive book is a great way to get them comfortable with books on their own terms.
LeapStart Interactive Books are full of puzzles and challenges. With an interactive pen that triggers audio challenges on each page, they’re a lot of fun. But they also come with teachable skills - from first words to music to building a robot. There are 4 levels from Preschool to Primary School that will help them on their learning journey.
For writing and spelling
Getting comfortable with writing and spelling goes hand in hand with learning to read. And again, making the experience fun and approachable is a great way to kick lessons off.
Writing made fun
With Leapfrog Mr. Pencil's Scribble & Write Toy, kids are introduced to fun character Mr Pencil who will help them to get their letters right stroke by stroke – both upper case and lower. Mr Pencil will also give them friendly feedback to help them get it right.
There’s also a keypad where they can match letters to sounds and spell simple words. Finally, there are drawing challenges too. A great introduction to art and design skills too.
For maths
Mathematics is about far more than adding and subtraction. It’s the language of our modern lives: from computer coding to space exploration. So getting kids interested in maths and STEM skills early can really pay off in the future.
Maths and laughs
The good news is that there are a lot of toys that get kids comfortable with numbers without subtracting from the fun.
How can you disguise simple maths lessons? Turn it into a game! The Leapfrog LeapLand Adventures hooks up to the TV and gives them a range of games and challenges to help them learn and play. With their own controller in hand, they’ll have to complete number challenges to unlock Clever Castle.
The Leapfrog 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch Laptop doubles as both tablet and laptop. So, your little one can feel grown up while learning their 1-10 and addition. As well as a whole host of other skills.
And that’s just for starters. We’re adding loads more educational toys all the time, so keep your eyes peels for new kids’ tech that covers everything from microscopes to coding.
Need more help?
If you’re looking for more education tech or gadgets for kids, why not ask one of our tech experts for more ideas? You’ll find them in-store or you can always give one a call on ShopLive and they’ll be happy to help you out.
