At four years old, prepping your child for preschool will be super important for their success in school. It is known that children learn best through play, which is why getting educational toys for your little ones is a must. What is the difference between a regular toy and an educational toy? What sets educational toys apart is their ability to teach certain skills. These skills include concentration, hand-eye coordination, number or letter recognition, shape or color recognition, reading and spelling, problem-solving skills, and cognitive skills. That said, here are some of the best educational toys for your four-year-old.
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Splashology Water Lab
Splashology Water Lab is a STEM kit (science, technology, engineering, and math). This kit will teach your little one all about the science of water and ideas like volume, flow, buoyancy, and more. With seven hands-on experiments and waterproof instructions, so they can be re-used, they'll learn things they can use and experiment with in the real world! Like when they're at the sink, in the bath, or playing with a water table.
Alphabet Stamps
These alphabet stamps are a great way to help them learn the letters of the alphabet as well as how to spell certain words. With these stamps, they can make art and learn at the same time. While playing with these stamps, they'll learn how to recognize letters, spell, and read. It will also help their concentration and fine motor skills as they dip the stamp in ink and place it in the correct spot on the paper.
Zingo
Award Winning Early Reading Game for Pre-K to 2nd Grade - Toy of the Year Finalist, A Fun and Educational Game Developed by Educators
Zingo is an award-winning reading game for children who are preparing for preschool through the second grade. This particular Zingo set focuses on sight words, essential words for reading. Every player will get a card that has nine different sight words. Slide the Zingo and it will spit out two playing chips. Children will be prompted to match the correct words together until their whole board is filled.
LeapFrog Storytime Buddy
Reading companion. Teaches ABCs and helps ensure reading comprehension.
The LeapFrog Storytime Buddy is a reading buddy that can take them through five different story books. Buddy's collar has five buttons, each connecting to the corresponding book, and Buddy will read the book to them. Each of the five stories has a specific curriculum. The Buddy curriculum covers numbers, shapes, emotions, opposites, and colors. Not only does he read the books, but he also explores the alphabet by pressing Buddy's ABC button. Additionally, press his book button if you want him to ask reading comprehension questions.
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