Holiday gift finding tips

The learning toys you choose for your child will differ slightly according to his or her needs, but one goal remains the same: aim to get your child reading, writing and counting.

• Consult your child’s teacher. He or she may have recommendations that will reinforce concepts being learned in the classroom.
• Get back to the basics. Board games offer an excellent way to reinforce reading and counting, and in addition, they teach strategy and social skills.
• Kids love technology. In my classroom, tech-based learning tools like Tag and the LeapPad.
• Music is win-win. Give the gift of joy and lifelong learning with fun music on CD or download. Kids at this age really enjoy having their own music playlists. I recommend KIDZ BOP; it’s always a crowd pleaser.
• Kids like writing…when it’s fun. Look for activities that make writing fun: from sidewalk chalk to non-toxic markers to oversized paper and their first diaries. Kids will enjoy creating comics, telling stories and writing their daily adventures.
• As a kinder teacher myself, I believe that books are the best gifts of all.  You can never have too many or go wrong with a good book. From physical books to eBooks to books that read to you, there’s something for everyone. Also choose a subject that interests the children. Are they into dinosaurs? Trains? Fairy tales? Science fiction? Non-fiction?

Overall, look for fun ways to engage your young learner. We want kids to LOVE learning, so keep the activities at their “just right” level.