Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
The difference between a good toy and great one is the ability to entertain—and instruct—a child at the same time. The author, a woodworker with a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instructional Materials, combines his skills to show parents which toys are most effective for early childhood education, and then he gives them all the information they need to build those toys themselves. Nine fun projects—from Pattern Blocks and Dominos to a Puzzle Train—will get little ones learning—without them even realizing it!
Synopsis
The difference between a good toy and great one is the ability to entertain—and instruct—a child at the same time. The author, a woodworker with a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instructional Materials, combines his skills to show parents which toys are most effective for early childhood education, and then he gives them all the information they need to build those toys themselves. Nine fun projects—from Pattern Blocks and Dominos to a Puzzle Train—will get little ones learning—without them even realizing it!
Library Journal
Many toys are designed either to appeal to adults or without any particular goal in mind other than making money. Neufeld, a technology education teacher and an experienced woodworker, has created a collection of toys designed to teach children concepts such as fractions and patterns and to help develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Toys include beads to string, a shape puzzle box, a stacking pyramid, a puzzle train, and a huge set of blocks. The instructions are geared toward beginning woodworkers, and most of the projects can be completed with basic tools. Neufeld suggests the use of nontoxic oil or food coloring as a safe finish, and each toy has a "learning through play" sidebar that shows different types of play that can accomplish certain educational goals. These toys are ideal for toddlers through early grade school-aged children and will last for generations. Essential for public libraries. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.