Educational Toys for Preschoolers Which Teachers Can Buy

Written by: Reeja Mathew • Edited by: Elizabeth Wistrom
Updated Feb 7, 2011 • Related Guides: Amazon

Read on to find the best educational toys for 4 year olds. Preschool teachers can use the list to guide their selections for classroom activities.

The developing period of a child is crucial. Children start to sense and explore their surroundings during the pre-schooling years. They have to be appreciated and encouraged for their achievements. Teachers can help develop the child's confidence by offering toys and activities in the classroom which will allow the child to master necessary academic skills. Special attention is needed while choosing toys and activities for the preschooler. Your selections should be inspiring, educating and entertaining; then only can you can invite the attention of the preschooler. As many preschool teachers have limited budgets to work with, toys should also be affordable. This article provides a list of the best educational toys for 4 year olds which are meant to both entertain and educate.

LeapFrog Alpha Pet Explorer As a preschooler starts to gain the first lessons of alphabets, the teacher can have the Leapfrog Alpha Pet Explorer on hand. It is like a guide to the preschooler, while learning phonics and alphabets. This toy is especially helpful if you have students who finds it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. This item currently retails for $18.32 on Amazon.com.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

Fly and Discover Talking Globe: This is a wonderful and informative interactive globe. With a joystick, children can move around the globe and learn more about preset destinations. The Fly and Discover Talking Globe is currently offered gently used on Amazon for $20.00. A newer version, modeled after the Little Einstein's TV show is also offered at $40.00.

The UNO MOO This preschool game fascinates and gives the preschooler a primary knowledge of animals and colors. The animals and farmers are adorned with beautiful colors, to attract the preschooler. UNO MOO asks the preschooler to identify each pair of farm animals. This game is currently offered at $19.83 on Amazon.com.

I Spy Memory Game:

click to enlarge

This is one of the best toys to keep a preschooler engaged for a long time. It is good for group playing, too. Memory matching and riddle solving puzzles are included. This will improve their memory and problem solving skills - all while having fun! I Spy Memory Game. can found new at Amazon for $17.66.

ABC Puzzle: Upper and Lower Case: Puzzles are entertaining as well as informative. Alphabet puzzles, which feature both upper and lower case wooden letters, can help the preschooler to learn the letters and improve his/ her motor skills. It is suitable for his cognitive development, as well.

By nature, children are creative. Teachers should concentrate on improving the creativity through fun. Jumbo QuietShape Pattern Blocks are a wonderful activity that teachers can offer to their pupils to develop their creativity. It include 49 soft foam floor pattern blocks with which they can make beautiful and symmetrical patterns.

aHR0cDovL3d3dy5kaWRheC5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL2ltYWdlc19sZy8yMTA4OTcuanBn==

click to enlarge

The pre-schooler starts to learn socializing skills while engaging in group play. Hasbro’s Candy Land Castle Game is a good gift to teach children the first lessons of coordination, colors and shapes. It includes King Kandy’s Castle, four gingerbread, kid game board and bright colored tokens. The children will be fascinated by the bright colors and magical atmosphere. It is very popular among kids and they will love to possess it. Candy Land Castle retails on Amazon for $25.95

click to enlarge

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube: This is a classic toy for children to introduce them to the world of shape, color and size. It is helpful to children with minor learning disabilities - teaching them how to differentiate the shapes. It includes 16 chunky vibrant shapes. Amazon offers the Melissa and Doug Sorting Cube for $11.70.

click to enlarge

LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set: It is very useful to teach children about animals. With this magnetic animal set, children can make as many as 25 combinations. It is both funny and educative, as it teaches the children to make the correct matches. This interactive toy, offered for $14.97 new, makes the students engaged and fascinated. Keep in mind that you will need to also purchase a magnetic board with which to use the toy.

This list of the best educational toys for 4 year olds is sure to help you choose toys, games and activities that can enhances the learning and socializing skills of all of the children in your care.

All pricing listed was considered current at the time this article was published.