How to Select Electronic Teaching Toys

Learning should be exciting and fun. The idea of fun can be established early so that the child is prepared for a lifetime of learning. With the current array of electronic teaching toys on the market, any parent, teacher or caretaker of young ones will have plenty to choose from. There are toys to reflect virtually every interest, from science to ballerinas to music. Give your student or child a head start by incorporating these electronic gadgets in her educational experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mail-order catalog and/or online catalog

How to Select the Best Electronic Teaching Toy

1. Talk to your child's teacher about topics or skills they are working on in school. Become familiar with what she is learning.

2. Ask the child what he likes to learn as well as what he is having trouble with at school.

3. Ask the child or find out what she is interested in, whether it be dinosaurs or clowns.

4. Decide what specific skill, concept or topic the electronic toy should focus on. Some toys help with math while others encourage children to sound out words.

5. Learn the specific needs and expectations of your child's grade level and age. You want to avoid getting a toy that is either too challenging or not challenging enough.

6. Find an electronic teaching toy that reflects the child's interests or preferences.

7. Involve the child by allowing her to help select the electronic teaching toy. This will ensure that the toy will be used and enjoyed.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind the child's interests, favorite activities or preferences for certain characters when selecting electronic teaching toys.
• Keep in mind the child's age and/or grade level when you select electronic teaching toys. The educational toys buying guide on eBay discusses important considerations for each age group (see Resources below).
• Whether they are powered by batteries or power cords, electronic teaching toys should always be monitored when used by a child to avoid shock.
• Always make sure electronic teaching toys are properly maintained and cared for to ensure they work properly.
• If you are purchasing an electronic teaching toy, expose your child to or let him or her play with the toy first.
• If buying an electronic teaching toy, be sure to visit websites that do product and price comparisons, like Epinions (see Resources below).

Resources

• eBay for child age group preferences
• Epinions for a comparison of the top electronic teaching toys