![]() ![]() “Play encourages a child’s development by allowing them to practice independent problem-solving, encouraging creativity, and teaching them mindfulness,” says Dr. Casares.Īdditionally, four year olds often enjoy singing, dancing, and acting, according to the AAP, and can usually hop on one foot, do somersaults, swing, and climb, so any educational toy that incorporates any of these things is very likely to get played with. In general, based on a four year old’s development “Activities like simple board games, pretend play with dolls, dress up, or roleplay, or introductory sports like soccer or t-ball work well for these kids,” says Dr. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), at around four years old kids can count ten or more objects, which is why the JIAKAI Math Counting Sticks ( view at Amazon) is a good option for kids this age.īy this age, kids can usually communicate whether they do or do not like certain toys or activities, so it’s helpful to keep these interests in mind when shopping for educational toys since the only way for a child to benefit from these toys is by actually playing with them.For hand-eye coordination, the Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wooden Block Set ( view at Amazon) is an excellent toy to play with.Since it’s collaborative, the Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape Game ( view at Walmart) is great for supporting a four-year-old’s social development and emotional intelligence.Casares, “They also need chances every day for fun physical activity as they learn how to perfect their hand-eye coordination and work with others on teams.” Here are some toy ideas to help support this development: “Four-year-old children need plenty of opportunities to learn healthy social skills, like taking turns, accommodating other friends’ needs, and using kind words,” says Dr. You should look at the packaging of the toy to ensure your child is within the recommended age range for it.Īlso, toys for four-year-olds should not have sharp edges, should be safe to be put in their mouths (because it still happens on occasion), and doesn’t put them at risk of major injuries, such as falling from a high platform.Īt four years old, kids’ cognitive and social development is in overdrive, and the right toys can really encourage that growth. Thankfully, by four years old, kids are a lot more stable than they were as toddlers (and are much better about putting small toys in their mouths), but they should still only be playing with toys that are appropriate for their age and development. Safety is always the most important thing to consider when shopping for toys for kids. What to Look for When Shopping for Educational Toys for 4 Year Olds Safety From phonics to STEM subjects, your little one can exercise all of their skills. For an all-in-one learning toy, the Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit ( view on Amazon) is a great option. The right educational toy depends on your child and the skill set you're trying to strengthen. We reviewed toys for their safety, durability, ability to help reach educational milestones, and a variety of different interests.Įngage their minds with the best educational toys for 4-year-olds on the market. In our experience, these toys will be so fun that they won't even realize that they are sharpening their essential skills. They also need chances every day for fun physical activity as they learn how to perfect their hand-eye coordination and work with others on teams,” says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, the author of "The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself."Ĭhoosing the right toy can be the missing piece in helping your 4-year-old meet developmental milestones, but it can be challenging since the perfect toy can look different between any two children. “Four-year-old children need plenty of opportunities to learn healthy social skills, like taking turns, accommodating other friends’ needs, and using kind words. Similarly, the Melissa & Doug 100-Piece Wooden Block Set is a great budget-friendly choice. ![]() The Magna-Tiles 48-Piece Deluxe Set is our top pick because it's durable, long-lasting, encourages solo and group play, and allows any child to explore their creativity and STEM subjects.
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