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Dr. Toy: Best Educational Toys


Ever wonder why the child often prefers playing with the boxes toys come in rather than the toy? The toy may not having lasting value for the child. Toys can lose their impact if they do not challenge a childās imagination. I look for those extras in the educational toys I select as the best. These toys are fun and help your child learn important skills. Your child will not get bored or restless if they are not pressured to play. Give your child the time to explore with assistance only as needed. Sure your child will also enjoy playing with boxes, but soon they will turn their attention back to the fun of learning. Remember toys are not only for holiday presents, but are needed by children all year. Playing is the way your child learns best. Explore these great products for year round learning .

Alex Panline USA - Water Wonders (7-12 $20) 800-666-ALEX. Ten experiments demonstrate science and art of water such as bubbles follows guided discoveries.

Didax Educational Resources - Ready for Math Kit (4-8 $19.95) 800-458-0024. 100 interlocking counting cubes and useful activity book.

Educational Insights - Cosmic Observer Telescope (8-12 $35) 800-995-0506. 60mm glass lens that allows child to learn first hand about the earth and stars with planet guide, and 32-page activity guide.

Fisher-Price - Electronic Discovery Desk (9 mos.-3 yrs.$54.99 800-432-5437. Telephone rings and answering machine sends 40 friendly messages.

Knowledge Adventure - Jumpstart First Grade (5-7 $40) 800-542-4240. Software,CD teaches by use of games, puzzles and animation.

Leap Frog - Phonics Learning System (3-8 $49.95) 800-701-5327. Complete basic reading center with phonic sounds as letters are pressed.

LEGO Dacta - Early Simple Machines (5-12 $75) 800-527-8339. Duplo pieces with 8 activity cards to show 12 models including a phone, robot, car, truck and more.

Playskool - All-In-One Fun Learning Center (2-6 $70) 800-PLAYSKL. Easel converts to desk, alphabet pegboard or drawing board with electronic learning for different skills.

SEGA - PICO-Berenstein Bears-A School Day (3-6 $60) 800-USA-SEGA. Software of a typical school day teaches the alphabet, sorting, matching shapes and more.

Team Concepts - Comquest Junior (5-12 $70) 800-486-0898. Laptop computer helps child learn basic learning skills.

(c) l995, 1996, 1997 Stevanne Auerbach, PhD San Francisco, CA.
This article may not under any circumstances be resold or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from the author.



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