Best Educational Toys for Development
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Not All Toys Develop The Same Skills
One of the most common questions parents ask is:
"What toys should my child be playing with?"
The answer depends on what skills you want to encourage.
The Brainwise framework groups toys according to the developmental functions they support.
Let's explore some key categories.
Building & Construction Toys
Examples
- LEGO
- Magnetic tiles
- Construction sets
- Wooden blocks
Supports
- Problem solving
- Planning
- Sequencing
- Attention
- Creativity
- Flexible thinking
Children learn to predict outcomes, test ideas and persist through challenges.
Arts & Craft Activities
Examples
- Painting
- Drawing
- Clay
- Craft kits
Supports
- Creativity
- Fine motor development
- Emotional expression
- Planning
- Concentration
Craft activities also provide wonderful opportunities for conversation and emotional regulation.
Pretend Play & Role Play
Examples
- Play kitchens
- Doll houses
- Dress-ups
- Farm and animal sets
Supports
- Language development
- Social skills
- Emotional understanding
- Theory of Mind
- Sequencing
Pretend play helps children understand perspectives other than their own and is strongly linked to social development.
Books & Learning Resources
Examples
- Story books
- Interactive books
- Educational games
Supports
- Vocabulary
- Listening skills
- Memory
- Attention
- General knowledge
Shared reading remains one of the most powerful developmental activities available.
Sensory & Motor Activities
Examples
- Balance equipment
- Obstacle courses
- Sensory tools
- Climbing equipment
Supports
- Sensory processing
- Body awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Attention
- Motor planning
Movement often supports learning readiness.
Social Games
Examples
- Board games
- Card games
- Cooperative games
Supports
- Turn taking
- Emotional regulation
- Coping with losing
- Communication
- Flexible thinking
These skills are essential for success in school and relationships.
A Final Thought
The most valuable toy is not necessarily the one that teaches letters or numbers.
The most valuable toy is often the one that develops the underlying skills children need to learn, communicate, regulate emotions and engage successfully with others.
About the Author
Dr Nicolene Shields
Behavioural Neuroscientist | Specialist Teacher | Counsellor | Clinical Neuropsychotherapist
Founder of BrainSense Toys, Dr Nicolene Shields combines expertise in neuroscience, education, child development, counselling, and neuropsychotherapy to help parents and professionals better support children's learning and development.
Through BrainSense Toys, she carefully curates evidence-informed toys, educational resources, sensory supports, and learning equipment designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, sensory, and motor development.
Qualifications
- BAPsych (Hons)
- M(CounsPsycTh)
- MEd (CognPsycEdPrac)
- MSpEd (SensDis)
- MNSC
- GCMRPET
- PhD (Neuropsych)
"Evidence-informed toys supporting brain development."