By Brittany Rowland

For school kids ages 5 to 7, the best educational toys disguise learning as fun and games. We found the following 10 toys to be exceptional for such qualities as:

Reinforcing reading and math skills
Interactive design that encourages hands-on learning
Involved enough for kids to enjoy for years
Sparking interest in science, reading, history, math, and other subjects
Improving problem solving, logic, critical thinking, strategy, and spatial awareness
Durability and quality of construction
Encouraging social interaction

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Toys That Help Kids Read

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Top 10 Educational Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

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By Brittany Rowland

Puzzles are great tools for teaching kids to focus for extended periods of time and patiently match pieces together. The end result is a colorful representation of the United States, with important cities clearly labeled. Each state also has a fun picture representing its unique features, from Florida’s space shuttle to California’s Golden Gate Bridge. The 51 pieces are made of sturdy, thick cardboard, so even toddlers can figure the puzzle out. Older children will appreciate learning about the states; most of them are individual puzzle pieces, except for the New England states which are grouped together due to their size. Best put together on the floor, this puzzle from Melissa & Doug costs $12.99.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

You’ll be amazed at how intently kids work at these Magnetic Mighty Mind puzzles. Each card has a tangram-like design that you have to fill with different shaped tiles—squares, circles, rhombuses, triangles, etc. It takes kids a while to figure out some of the trickier puzzles, but they don’t seem to mind. Even children as young as 3 get into the process and work their way through the cards. Some of the highest level cards are tricky even for older kids and parents. This puzzle set has magnet pieces, allowing kids to solve the puzzles on the go without fear of losing pieces. Not only do these puzzles encourage children to work quietly and independently, but they help them develop spatial and visual relationship skills. A big hit in classrooms and homes alike, Mighty Mind is available for $21.72.

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A family-friendly game that helps kids practice counting, addition, grouping, and word recognition, ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 is Bingo with an energetic twist. The Zinger dispenses the tiles and kids have to be the first to grab or call the tiles they need for their boards. There are two levels of play for younger and older kids, with double-sided playing cards. The concept is simple enough for even young kids to pick up quickly, but this version of the game is more challenging than the original version. You may see your kids developing a healthy competitive streak the more they play. We were satisfied with the solid construction of the pieces; it’s durable enough to take on family trips. Zingo is available for $18.50.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Back to Top Toys for Kids 8-11

Fine motor skills

As kids learn to read and write in kindergarten, they’re also developing the fine motor skills required to hold a pencil properly and carefully trace letters and numbers. Toys that allow children to practice drawing shapes and images in fine detail are ideal.

Hand-eye coordination

At ages 5 to 7, kids’ gross motor skills have developed to a greater degree, allowing them to perform a series of movements smoothly. With improved hand-eye coordination, they can enjoy common sports and physical games. Kids this age are better at playing catch even with small balls.

Communication and cognitive skills

In the early school years, children develop better speaking and listening skills. They have more patience for longer stories and may enjoy making up stories themselves. At the same time, they’re learning the basics of reading, writing, and math. Educational toys reinforce these fundamental skills. They have advanced enough to begin understanding and enjoying board games with the family.

Social development

As children go through school, they learn to better react with other children and consider the world from a less ego-centric view. Games that encourage social interaction, fair play, sharing, and taking turns are useful for developing kids’ social skills.

Toys That Help Kids Read

If your children are just learning how to read, then you understand how important it is to encourage them to practice and develop reading skills. It’s helpful to look for ways to incorporate reading lessons into everyday situations—for instance, asking kids to sound out words on billboards as you’re driving… [more]

Best Toys for Children Ages 5-7

For school kids ages 5 to 7, the best educational toys disguise learning as fun and games. We found the following 10 toys to be exceptional for such qualities as… [more]

Magnetic letters

Magnetic letter pieces are a classic but effective tool for teaching reading. The colorful plastic letters adorn the front of your refrigerator and allow toddlers to get a tactile feel for the different shapes before they can even spell. The more kids learn, the more they’ll enjoy arranging the letters to spell their names and other simple words.

Flashcards

You don’t have to use flashcards solely for rote drilling. Try creating games with the cards—spread them out on the table and ask your child to pick out a specific word. Reading flashcards, whether you buy colorfully illustrated packs or make some yourself, are ideal for helping kids become familiar with common words so they can recognize them on sight.

Electronics

Today’s children are more technologically savvy than ever before. If you own a smart phone, your toddler probably knows how to work it as effectively as you do. That’s why toy companies are capitalizing on kids’ natural interest in all things shiny and flashy, creating tablets specifically for children’s use. LeapFrog, for instance, has developed tablets with hundreds of games and apps that children can play to strengthen their reading and math skills. E-books for children may feature read-along tools like a wand or stylus that kids can hold over an unfamiliar word to help them out.

As much fun as snazzy electronics can be for kids, it’s important to remember that the value of reading books cannot be underestimated. Whether your kids can read chapter books or they’re still learning the ABCs, you can foster a love of reading in them by curling up together to enjoy a storybook.

Best Toys for Children Ages 5-7

For school kids ages 5 to 7, the best educational toys disguise learning as fun and games. We found the following 10 toys to be exceptional for such qualities as… [more]

A Child’s Development level from Ages 5-7

Once your child reaches early school age, he or she will have already become fairly self-sufficient and will only become more so. Each day provides new opportunities to learn, explore, and discover more about the world. The educational toys that kids at this developmental stage play with enhance the skills that they’re learning in school…. [more]

By Brittany Rowland

Ideal for young children preparing for school, the LeapFrog Scribble and Write is fun and simple enough for 3- and 4-year-old children to pick up, but advanced enough for older children to practice their letters with. With the attached stylus, kids follow the patterns of light on the screen, learning upper- and lower-case letters stroke by stroke. The device cheers them on when they draw the appropriate shape or letter and hit the enter button shaped like a dog. Parents are delighted to find that their toddlers have better writing skills than some older children. This LeapFrog product is available for $21.99.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

Kids as young as 5 or 6 will love learning basic math skills playing this Sum Swamp Addition and Subtraction Game from Learning Resources. Reinforcing the basic math they’re learning in school, the board game involves 4 swamp critters attempting to move around the board by adding or subtracting the numbers on the die, landing on short cuts, and avoiding the endless loop. Game rounds can be completed within 10 minutes, so it doesn’t become tedious for you or your children. Kids who otherwise struggle with math clamor for this game. It’s available for $18.33.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

Watch your young child learn spelling the old-fashioned way, with colorful alphabet blocks that fit into wooden word cards with delightful illustrations. Melissa & Doug is known for its fine craftsmanship and high-quality educational toys without all the bells and whistles that can overwhelm kids. Children as young as four will start to recognize common 3- and 4-letter words and enjoy selecting the right letter pieces to fit in the slots. The set includes 16 word blocks and over 50 letters; all the pieces fit in a wooden storage box. The See & Spell toy is available for $15.64.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A personal tablet just for kids, the LeapPad Explorer accepts over 100 apps and games that make learning fun and entertaining. The device is durable and has a bright 5-inch color touchscreen. Kids don’t seem to want to put it down. The games and learning activities cover a broad range of subjects, like science, reading, and math. There are lots of e-books children can read along with and educational videos. Children can even take their own photos and videos; the device has 2 GB of memory. The LeapPad Explorer appears to be a great alternative to more expensive tablets that are geared more toward adults. It’s available for $119; just know that collecting games and apps can become expensive.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A fast-paced, exciting card game that teaches kids memory and strategy while improving their basic addition skills, Rat-a-Tat Cat is a sure-fire hit for the whole family. Kids will quickly catch on to the rules; they try to get as few points as possible, but they have to keep track of the points in their head as the game progresses. Rounds go by quickly, so neither you nor your kids will lose interest. The card set is highly portable, making it perfect for family trips. I’m sure any parent is glad for an alternative to Go Fish. Whimsical illustrations of cats and rats adorn each card. Groups like Mensa have rated this product, available for $9.85, a great mind game for children.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

You don’t need to be a chemistry major to enjoy this Mind Blowing Science Kit with your young children. The experiments are interesting, fun, and engaging and will prompt scientific curiosity in young minds. The kit comes with a wide assortment of tools like pipettes and mixing tubes; other items you need are common in most kitchens. Even if you aren’t familiar with complex science, the book offers helpful guides for both adults and kids. Projects include making a volcano, growing crystals, and learning about acids and bases. Be sure to monitor your little scientist at all times. The kit costs $15.90.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A fun board game for families that are tired of Candyland, Sequence for Kids is entertaining for both children and their parents. By drawing cards and matching chips to the appropriate spots on the board, players try to get a sequence of 4 in a row. The rules are simple and fun enough for children to catch on quickly; some will enjoy developing their own alternative rules. Your toddler may need help playing the game, but it’s nice to find a game that children of varying ages can play together without the older ones getting bored. Plus, kids will be excited at the prospect of beating mom or dad for a change. Sequence for Kids is available for $12.13.

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Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany