If I were only able to recommend a handful of toys, BLOCKS would definitely be on the list. My 1st choice: Wooden blocks because there’s just something fabulous about the texture and sound real wood imparts to blocks.
In addition to bringing a multi-sensory aspect to children’s PLAY, when they PLAY with BLOCKS kiddos’ develop problem-solving skills as well the following:
- Fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination
- Spatial skills
- Social skills
- Language skills
- Math skills
- Innovative, creative and divergent thinking skills
Including props like visuals, books and plastic toy accessories or a variety of loose parts adds a layer of pretend PLAY engaging children’s imaginations and letting their creativity flourish.
There are many, many options of wooden blocks you can choose. For variety, quality and convenience I like Melissa & Doug’s Standard Unit Blocks.
Melissa & Doug’s set of 60 wooden blocks contains several shapes and sizes and includes:
·squares
·rectangles
·triangles
·half-circles
·quarter-circles
·arches
·columns
·cylinders
One of your concerns could be storage…how to keep track of all those pieces?! No worries here! This set comes with a wooden storage tray.
NOTE: The age range listed starts at age 3, but, especially if you remove the quarter-circle pieces, the items are large enough it would be safe for toddlers. They may not be able to ‘build’ with them per se, but they can explore the blocks feel and sounds when they tap them together or drop them on the floor.
Pros:
• Open-ended toy–offers multiple developmental benefits for children
• Durable
• Storage tray doubles as building platform
Cons:
• Cost–view this as an investment. Blocks are something that your child will be able to use and PLAY with as (s)he continues to grow and develop.——————————————–
Add more design possibilities with Melissa & Doug’s Architectural Unit Blocks. All the same great qualities as their Standard Unit Blocks set plus added features and shapes: 44 pieces of hand-scrolled and turned blocks in 11 different shapes top door frames, windows, doors, columns, small roofs, stairs, stair sides, large roofs, door frame sides, small pillars, and large pillars.
·windows
·doors
·columns
·large & small roofs
·top door frames
·stairs
·small & large pillars
·stair sides
·door frame sides
This set also comes with its own storage tray and works together will the Standard Unit Blocks; both sets earning a PLAY ON stamp of approval!
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BLOCKS…it’s no wonder they’re one of my favs!
Yours in Play!
Teacher Karen
I appreciate and thank you for your support, the recommendations are primarily done to assist you in selecting toys, books and/or other materials that will enrich your child’s play experiences. I don’t participate in affiliate programs.