| Electronic learning games have always been a great | | | | educational devices can impart knowledge with no |
| way for parents and grandparents, who prefer their | | | | overt “education”, just play. |
| gifts have some obvious long-term benefits, to buy | | | | Playing has always been a way to teach younger |
| the children in their life electronic products to | | | | children essential life skills and basic literacy and |
| entertain and engage them. | | | | numeracy ideas. Many children’s games teach a |
| It is easy to buy presents that are immediately | | | | variety of specific skills without being explicit about it. |
| interesting and provide a welcome distraction and | | | | Think of hopscotch for example, how many things |
| electronic games certainly fulfil that role. But, rather | | | | does a child pick up when they learn to play and |
| than offering straight forward entertainment for | | | | repeatedly play this game of hopping on numbered |
| toddlers and young children, who are in the prime | | | | squares? Alot! |
| learning years of their lives, take advantage of their | | | | Board games take this play learning to another level |
| natural enthusiasm to learn by offering a gift that is | | | | and give it more structure. Monopoly and Scrabble |
| both engaging and educational at the same time. | | | | are two of the most obvious examples of games |
| Educational toys for children offer a compromise for | | | | where children have fun learning about reading and |
| parents who want their children to be technologically | | | | maths without realising they are being educated while |
| savy but without the potential for pure mind-numbing | | | | they play. Interactive educational toys take this |
| escapism and distraction. Electronic learning games | | | | concept top the next level by engaging kids with |
| such as the Leapster or Tag Reader are designed to | | | | sounds and moving images and asking them to |
| be highly entertaining but are also dedicated to | | | | respond to specific commands. |
| making sure they have a significant educational | | | | Kids love interactive toys, so make sure you offer |
| component as well. By applying simple game | | | | them one with long-term benefits. |
| structures to essential learning principles these | | | | |