A new electronic toy seems to be helping children with autism develop language skills. Helma van Rijn developed the toy as part of her graduation project at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.

The electronic toy, which is called LINKX, consists of blocks that the children must place against a specific object. The objects -- for example a table or a window -- are equipped with a small electronic device of a certain colour. If the children place a block against such an object, the block lights up in the same colour as the object and the child hears the word that corresponds to the name of the object (this word has been pre-recorded by the child's parents).

Van Rijn has tested this method on autistic children (aged 3-5 years old). Parents and teachers have reacted extremely positively to LINKX. More importantly: it appears that the children do indeed learn new words, although it is still too early to arrive at any definitive conclusions about the long-term effects of the toy. Following further tests, the project group for which Van Rijn designed the toy, plans to include the toy in its product catalogue.

Van Rijn: "The most important thing is that I first thoroughly familiarised myself with these children and then, based on my experience, I created the design. I also worked very intensively with the parents, because they are the experts with regard to autistic children."

The approach taken in the design represents a departure from the most commonly used methods; these methods primarily require children to learn the language via a computer. Van Rijn's method is clearly based on real-life experiences.

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Adapted from materials provided by Delft University of Technology, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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The main purpose of toys is to bring joy to children. It adds more fun to their games. But one can never underestimate the power of toys. Toys are very helpful in preparing your child to learn bigger things. Although it may only seem that they are just playing and having fun, there are a lot of things that they can learn. There are educational toys that give your child the fun of playing and learning at the same time.

Toys have been your child's constant companion since he was still a baby. Small colorful toys helped him discovered the different colors and shapes. It also introduced him to the different sounds in his surroundings and allowed him to distinguish the different textures. Through toys, your child discovered the fun of using his senses.

At preschool, your child is more active. Although he has outgrown those colorful toddler toys, his interest to discover and create new things is continuing to take its toll. He starts to learn new things like associating his toys with the things in his surroundings. He learns to do role playing and takes his imagination to a new level. He also learns to appreciate and create new things out of the different colors and shapes. Their toys can aid you as well in teaching him how to write, count and draw. You can also teach him responsibility by assigning him a task to organize his toys after playing. You can teach him to socialize as well by asking him to share his toys with other children.

When your child is older, there are a lot of board games that you can introduce to him that will enhance his analytical skills. Game boards such as chess and domino help develop the strategic skills of your child. If you want to widen his vocabulary you can teach him how to play scrabble and word factory. This will also introduce your child to the different rules and regulations and the limitations it brings. He will also learn the value of sportsmanship and humility through this.

Children's interests vary as they grow. If your child does not show interest to any board game, then don't force him. You can ask him about the sports he is interested in and support it. He will surely learn a lot from it. He will be able to socialize by playing with a team and value the significance of teamwork. He will also learn about discipline and hard work in order to attain their team goal.

You may have not noticed it, but toys play a very important role in the development of your child's well being. His desire for toys change over the years because his needs varies from one stage to another but this does not mean that what he has discovered and learned with the previous toys he had will be forgotten. He may not be able to remember how he played when he was still a baby or how much he liked to put things together, but it will show in the person he has grown into. http://www.thekidstoystore.com/

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The Man of Steel turns 70 this month, but his popularity has waned in this 21st century world of flawed, postmodern heroes. This indisputable icon of American culture first made him appearance in the June 1938 edition of "Action Comics", the brainchild of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Superman is the original superhero, with superpowers, the cape and colourful costume, the secret identity and his mission to fight against Evil for Truth, Justice and the American Way. He can fly but is not an aeroplane or a bird. He's faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!

But Superman comic sales have fallen over the last few years, while darker characters like Batman, Spider-Man or Wolverine of "X-Men" fame have become favourites. Is Superman too good and uncomplicated for teenagers these days? Only time will tell if he will survive another 70 years, but if he continues to evolve as he has until now, then he will continue to be a hero of our cynical world.

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Solving puzzles is a great way for young children to develop important hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The most basic of puzzles are those which include shape sorting, whereby a child is required to manipulate various shaped blocks and place them in the appropriately shaped slot. These are suitable for children as young as one, and will help them develop very basic problem solving skills as well as hand-eye coordination.

Jigsaw puzzles are very popular among children. Jigsaws with increasing levels of difficulty are available for a wide range of ages and developmental stages. Jigsaw puzzles utilise a handful of specifically shaped pieces that fit into corresponding holes in a board. The number of pieces can range from as few as four up to a thousand. Often with puzzles for younger children, the jigsaw pieces are decorated so that when placed together correctly they form an entire picture. Completing these simple puzzles not only aids hand-eye coordination but also will help develop a child’s memory. Jigsaws designed for older children may include letters and numbers to help familiarise them with the alphabet and learn basic numeric skills.

Other puzzles designed for children rely on the matching of shapes and colours. These will again aid hand-eye coordination, but will also encourage your child to distinguish between different shapes and colours. These are basic problem solving skills, but are essential for them to develop and ready themselves for bigger challenges.

Puzzles are an invaluable aide for skill development. However, it is important to introduce children to those that are suitable for their age group. Young children in particular can get very frustrated with puzzles that they cannot solve. Often this is simply because they haven’t yet developed the necessary hand-eye coordination or thought processes required to complete them.

Introducing puzzles to children at a young age is an enjoyable way for them to develop important manual dexterity, memory, and coordination skills. As they get older, they will be able to advance to more complicated puzzles promoting development of language and numeric skills. It is important to help your child with puzzles initially. As they become more comfortable with the idea of puzzles, they will be able to complete them on their own, providing a rewarding experience for both you and your child.

Puzzles for children from age one and up including jigsaws, wooden puzzles, spelling, number, and a variety of other educational puzzles are available at BrainGrow Toys.
Pam Fallon - CEOhttp://braingrowtoys.com

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As parents, we try not to feed our children anything that was not beneficial for them. Likewise, the same applies for toys. We want to buy toys which are educational; something that will benefit our children and will help them grow to their full potential. However, knowing each child is born with different capabilities and interests, there are many factors to keep in mind when purchasing toys for your child.

If a child is asked to pick out a toy of her preference she will naturally chose the most eye catching toy. But as a parent, when picking out toys for your child, you should consider what your aim is for that particular toy. Do you want the toy to teach your toy something specific, or do you want the toy to stimulate your child's imagination? It is not easy picking out the good toys from the bad, as there are many on the market. Keep in mind your child’s strengths, weaknesses and interests.

If you are feeling a little lost as to what type of toys to get your child, here are some of the questions you ought to keep in mind.

1. Are you looking for an educational toy or one that encourage your child imagination? These are both legitimate but often a toy does not do both.
2. Have you noticed any area that your child might need help in? If your child has difficulty recognising shapes, for example, playing with blocks and simple puzzles can help here.
3. What are your child's strengths and how can the toy you are thinking of buying develop this strength?
4. Is the toy labelled/fit for your child’s age? You don't want to buy something too advanced for your child as this will only frustrate her.
5. Does the toy have a good review and reputation? Listen to what other parents say about the toy and do a little research into it's strengths.
6. Is the toy well made? Toys made from wood are usually very hard wearing and will last longer than those made from plastic. Make sure there are no small parts if your child is very young.
7. Is your child getting a balance of electronic toys as well as simple or traditional toys like lego and blocks? There is a place for electronic games, and they can help children's fine motor skills and coordination, but getting the balance right is important.

So, when purchasing toys the most important criteria to remember is to buy a collection of toys that will cater for many purposes. Keep in mind your child's personality and needs. Electronic or non-electronic, both toys carry it's own special purpose, and it is up to you as a parent to figure out what exactly your child’s needs are.

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Colouring books are one of the educational tools readily available today. They come in many different themes and styles to attract children of all ages. There are colouring books pages available online as well as in all bookshops. Some are simple and others are elaborate stories unfolding throughout the book.
So what are the benefits of your child spending time colouring in outlines of pictures created by someone else? Does this benefit them in any way?
Here are some benefits kids get from colouring:

• Increases concentration. Colouring requires good concentration and this type of focusing on one task can help a child develop her overall concentration levels. This is a skill that many children find difficult to master, although essential for later schooling.
  



• Aids fine motor skills. Colouring helps young children with their coordination and the use of pens and pencils. Trying to stay inside the lines takes considerable skill and when they master it they gain a sense of accomplishment.
  



• Encourages colour awareness. Using different colours gives children a chance to explore different combinations and lets them see how they can change the appearance of the picture. It is great also for gaining awareness of the lesser known colours. If they are using paints they can combine different primary colours to make a new colour.
  



• Stimulates creative thinking. There is scope for creativity during colouring. The child can develop a drawing style and enjoy making an imaginary world from her work before she is ready to actually draw full pictures on her own. This will encourage her to continue this type of creative play and give her a sense of accomplishment.
  

This is where colouring is most useful. We need to give young children every opportunity to gain self confidence and a sense of self worth. If they can create something that is aesthetically pleasing, then this will help in the positive development of their personality.
Older children may become bored with colouring and prefer to draw freely on their own. This is a natural progression and one to be welcomed. Nevertheless, colouring does have a place in child development and can easily be incorporated into a child’s day.

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Toys are an integral part of a toddler's world. It is very important to choose the right toys because so much of their play centres around the imaginary world they create using these toys. Never again will they learn so fast and so easily, so if the toys are educational as well as fun, they will be entertained at the same time as being taught important skills and ways of grasping the world around them.

It is at this age that children start being aware of their surroundings and notice everything with surprise and awe. Their toys should help them make sense of their world and their place in it.

Most toddlers are very active and inquisitive, and want to explore and experiment with everything around them. Toys which allow them to be active and also help develop their gross motor skills are perfect for this age group.

Climbing structures, puzzle blocks, balloons, interactive dolls, and toy bikes and cars are all great. Some more educational toys are puppets and stuffed toys, coloured building blocks, peg boards, pedal toys and swings. These toys provide physical and mental exercises, developing the body muscles and brain cells, including thinking and logical capacity.

Toddlers are also fascinated by colours so coloured pencils and crayons with simple colouring books or drawing books can be useful for teaching shapes and colours while providing fun. You can encourage your child to scribble, colouring, and experiment with the colours to develop their creativity.

With the development of the brain cells, toddlers start associating objects with whatever they are taught and thus, arranging blocks according to shapes, sizes, and colours can be a very educational game. Blocks can be used in a myriad of ways and can be incorporated into many different games. Stacking, sorting, even knocking them over is huge fun.

Toy trains, wooden logs and interlocking blocks help build the toddlers' hand and eye coordination abilities. Playing with sand and clay can also be a very good way of building their imagination and developing their muscular flexibility.

As parents and guardians we must make sure that there are no small objects incorporated in the toys we give to toddlers. Children this young love to put things in their mouths, so keep a watchful eye out and there should be no problems.

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Word search puzzles are pen and paper puzzles containing a grid of letters. The player's task is to locate words hidden within this grid. Each word is in a straight line, but can be placed in any direction, horizontally (left to right, or right to left), vertically (upwards or downwards), or diagonally. Just to make the puzzle that little bit more difficult, words may overlap or intersect, and of course not every letter in the grid is actually part of a word.

Most children seem to enjoy solving word search puzzles - they're an enjoyable way to pass the time. Parents often like these puzzles too, as they can keep the kids busy, instead of getting bored, on a rainy day, or during a long plane or train journey.

It should also be remembered that while word search puzzles are mainly about fun, they can also have educational benefits too. Solving a word search puzzle requires concentration and attention to detail. Furthermore, in order to solve these puzzles, kids need to focus on the exact spelling of words.

It is possible to buy books printed with word search puzzles, however a more flexible option is for a parent or teacher to create the puzzles themselves with the help a computer and word search puzzle maker software. Simply enter a list of words, and the computer can generate a puzzle in an instant! Doing it this way has the big advantage that you can tailor the puzzle, for example choosing words based on this week's spelling list or around class project, or perhaps turning off some of the more difficult directions when creating puzzles for younger kids.

By S. Tanna. To create your printable word search puzzles for kids, please go to http://www.wordsearchprinter.com/

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If you are searching for the right educational toys for your preschooler, you may be overwhelmed with all the options available. Toy manufacturers are now busier than ever, working hard to keep up with the latest trends and styles, and competing to make their toys the best and most popular among small children. Though the decision of what to buy your child can be difficult, here are several suggestions that may help you.

When choosing an educational toy, you want to be sure it will serve its educational purpose. You want your child to learn something while playing with a particular toy, and for that to remain a popular one with your preschooler for a reasonable amount of time. This is why you should choose carefully.

When selecting educational toys, it is also important to keep your child's interests in mind. Remember, it isn't the educational factor that will interest your child, rather the fun the toy will bring. Encourage your child to play with different toys and learn new things, but always try to give preference to the more educational preschool-level toys, whether they teach basic math or reading skills, colour recognition, or just stimulate different parts of a child's developing brain. After all, these simple, educational games can often be the most entertaining.

Chalkboards are among the most popular toys for preschoolers. They are also among the oldest. And since many modern chalkboards are double-sided-- with a chalkboard on one side and a magnetic board for plastic letters on the other, this toy can also serve a dual purpose. By playing with it, your child will be able to learn the letters of the alphabet with the magnetic letters, and then be able to practice those letters on the chalkboard once this is accomplished. It also allows for free-hand drawing and hours of creative fun.

Toy pianos are also among the most popular and most beneficial toys. As shown in recent studies, children who learn music, even on the most basic level, tend to perform better in math and science-oriented subjects, and also tend to score higher on scholastic exams. Aside from that, this kind of toy is a great way for your child to be creative while making his or her very own music.

Blocks have long been among the most basic, yet most fun toys a child can own. There are many types from which to choose, from blocks that interlock, to those that simply balance on one another. Your child will have hours of fun building towers, houses, or just simply learning to stack and count.

No matter which educational toys you choose, be sure they are age-appropriate for your child. Check to be sure they don't have loose parts that could be harmful to your child, and that they aren't too complicated for his or her age and education level. You do not want your child to become discouraged by playing with a toy he or she does not understand. Also, play with your children. If you show an interest in the toys you buy, they are more likely to do the same.

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The market today is flooded with a number of educational toys both branded and locally manufactured. Educational toys are very popular among parents, as they provide a good medium to educate their children. No matter how rich or poor, parents want to purchase educational toys for their children. However, the high price tags restrain many people from buying them. The offer of cheap educational toys by retailers and shopkeepers has been a solution to this dilemma.

Many companies on the Internet offer cheap rates on educational toys. Their web sites carry details of the products such as the toy description, learning objectives, pictures and prices. Customers typically register on these sites, place an order and pay online. There are also companies that provide toy rental services at affordable rates. Toys can be rented on a monthly basis.

There is a wide range of inexpensive, quality educational toys for children who are as young as three months. Wooden toys are a favorite with parents as they are cheap, safe, durable and high quality. Cheap educational toys also include storybooks, learning activity kit, construction toys, puzzles, craft kits and baby toys. Books, games or animated movies are also categorized as educational toys and are available at cheap rates. The most popular categories of toys among little children are organic stuffed animals, dolls, block-games, cars, and wooden toys. They are carefully designed and crafted to help shape young minds.

Social service organizations that concentrate on children's welfare believe that it is essential to regulate the prices of toys and make them affordable for everyone.

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Sometimes when we choose the colours in our child's room it can be more indicative of our owns preference or cultural norm rather than the child’s needs. Do boys really prefer blue and girls pink?

Pink and blue or fully-saturated primary colours are not necessarily what children prefer. Children are careful observers and can distinguish subtle colours and shading even if they cannot yet verbalise this understanding.

Most experts agree that the large areas in a room–such as the walls, floors, and ceilings–should be neutral or subdued, in effect mirroring the way that colour occurs in nature. Bright, saturated colours can be applied in small, focused areas, just as one might find a vibrant flower in vast green field.

Here are a few general ideas to keep in mind when selecting colours for a child’s room:

• Bright colours are best used in small amounts and neutral tones in larger amounts to mimic the proportions found in nature.


• Highly saturated colours work best when juxtaposed with an absorbent, complementary colour to balance it. For example, pair red with a moss green.


• Children do most of their playing on the floor, so it is best to keep this area neutral.


• Pale blue and pink reflect cultural norms, but not necessarily children’s preferences.


• Add colour in unexpected ways with plants and rich natural woods.

If you have any suggestions do let us know. Thanks !!

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Furniture has the ability to encourage a child to move about more freely.

Have you ever thought about how much time your child is physically confined in a stroller,

crib, highchair, playpen, or car seat. If you add it all up, it would probably be a significant 

part of the day.

But allowing a child to explore in a safe environment will provide many learning advantages.

Although unorthodox, there are many viable alternatives to cribs and highchairs.

In a Montessori home, for example, infants sleep on mats on the floor rather than in cribs. 

Many of these children crawl and walk months earlier than the average child because they have 

more opportunities to practice.  

Children as young as seven months sit in weaning chairs with their feet on the floor rather than 

in highchairs. 

Although this method requires meticulous child-proofing and patience in getting the child to 

focus on the task at hand, it encourages a child to move, explore, and learn.



It is important to be flexible and willing to make adjustments when things don’t work. 

An adult sized dresser that is too tall or has excessively heavy drawers - while fine in a 

newborn’s room -discourages an older child from learning how to dress himself.

Books stored on high shelves with spines out are hard for children to see, access and put away.

What kind of furniture have you bought for your child ?

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