Preschool Toys
Preschool is the age of "why?" Little minds are so curious, and there is so much to learn! As your preschooler prepares for school, give them the toys that will stretch their imagination. While your preschooler still enjoys the colorful toys of toddlerhood, they are ready for more mentally stimulating toys that will teach them the alphabet, numbers, and how to explore the world around them.
Learning Colors
Preschool children are really beginning to enjoy the colors of the world. While still captivated with various colored blocks and puzzles, they are ready for a firmer grasp on their knowledge of colors.
Young children are ready to identify and recognize colors around them, so choose matching games that give them the opportunity to do so. Paints and crayons allow children to mix colors together, learning which colors complement each other and how to express themselves visually.
Learning ABCs
One of the proudest moments in a parent's life is when their children begin to learn the alphabet. Give them every opportunity to do so, with toys that showcase their ABCs. Alphabet blocks and puzzles are ideal for little hands to interact with letters.
As your child prepares for preschool, give them more opportunities to read, hear, and write letters. Magnetic letter kits and dry erase boards let children practice writing and arranging letters, while sing along songs associate the names of letters to the characters.
Learning to Count
Children love to sort their toys into piles, and count them one by one. As they do so, teach them the wonders of numbers and counting. Children's piggy bank sets associate numbers with items, so they can count as they put their coins away.
Music teaches children the sequence of numbers, and they can use the songs to sort through numbered puzzle pieces. Magnetic number sets also show children their numbers, as they can learn to see the visual order of counting.
Fine Motor Skills
Preschoolers need many opportunities to build their motor skills. Give them kid sized tools to manipulate their world, and build hand eye coordination. Painting, chalk, and musical instruments give little hands big tasks to do, and stimulate their creativity.
Party time sets, such as cakes and pizzas, allow your children to stretch their imagination and learn the proper techniques for holding smaller objects. Children's clay sets build hand strength and dexterity as they mold fun shapes that entertain them for hours.
Pretend Play
A child's imagination is truly inspiring. They can take you to far off worlds, without ever leaving your living room. Foster this mental play by giving them toys that spark a whole new world of adventures.
Puppets and dolls can become characters in your children's imaginary worlds. Toy foods and cooking sets will bring out the master chef in your child. Let your children explore the possibilities of the grown up world with toys that let them emulate your day to day activities.
Reading
Preschoolers are at the prime age to begin exploring the world of reading. Read-along books will show children how words both sound and look. Pop-up and magnetic books let your child interact more fully with the story, as they absorb the written word.
While preschool children may "read" more from memory or by picture recognition, the foundation of good reading habits is being established at this early age. Give your preschooler every opportunity to learn the appearances and meanings of words, and watch their love of reading grow.