Beneficial Uses of Educational Learning Toys for Children

Toys that could be used for educational and learning purposes are commonly known as educational learning toys and are usually used as supplements in the educational and learning process for kindergarten and primary school students. Many educational experts for children have stated that toys that could be used for dual purposes for both educational and learning tools could have the potential to be used as supplements in the classroom or in the home for educating children and they could also use the toys as learning tools in their learning process.

Many experts for children's education have stated that educational learning toys have proven to have beneficial effects in the development of a child in the classroom and in the home. Educational or learning toys could improve the progress of the emotional, physical, intellectual and social development of children especially during the kindergarten level and in the early years of elementary school levels. Those toys could also enhance the children's learning skills such as good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, observation and memorization skills, distinguishing the differences of letters, numbers and objects, and other skills that would stimulate and develop the learning skills of the child.

During the kindergarten and early years of elementary education, teachers and other child experts would recommend educational learning toys that would encourage children on how to learn on their own. Traditional educational toys such as building blocks, board games, and puzzles are highly recommended for children. However, educational electronic toys and computer games could stimulate the children to learn about reading, pronunciation, spelling, mathematics, logic, and other basic learning skills.

Educational Learnings

Educational Learning Theories

In the fields of psychology and education, learning is known as the process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing or changing one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views. Explanations of what happens when learning takes place constitute learning theories. Many research studies have been carried out regarding the nature of educational learning. What follows is a list indicating the features of some educational learning theories and their corresponding proponents.

Subsumption Thoery – This educational learning theory proposed by David Ausubel describes how mechanism by which new material presented in an academic setting, such as lectures, can be integrated into existing mental structures. The presentation of new knowledge should be preceded by 'advance organisers' in order for subsumption to occur.

Observational Learning Theory – This educational learning theory by Albert Bandura states that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others.

Constructivist Thoery - This educational learning theory by Jerome Bruner states that individuals actively construct knowledge by comparing new ideas or concepts with their current knowledge, also known as schema or mental models.

Pansophism – Jan Amos Comenious proposed this educational learning theory which espouses the idea that learning, emotional and spiritual growth are connected to one another. He proposed teaching not merely through memorisation, but also through stimulation of the senses.

Learning by Doing - This educational learning theory by John Dewey proposes that learning occurs through experience.

Socioemotional Development – Erik Erikson's 'Eight Stages of Man' describes a series of crises that individuals pass through at different stages.

Cognitive Dissonance – Leon Festinger's educational learning theory, which is one basis for constructivism, states that inconsistencies between behaviours and beliefs motivate people to change.

Educational Learnings