7 Toys That Promote Active Learning in the Classroom

Play isn’t just something kids do for fun. It’s how they learn. In the classroom, active learning toys provide children with an entertaining and engaging way to learn while also developing essential skills.

They encourage preschoolers to move, explore, and interact with their environment. This can help improve their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

In this blog, we will explore some of the best active learning toys for the preschool classroom that can help promote children’s learning and development.

What is Active Learning?

Active learning is an approach to teaching that engages students in the learning process. Rather than passive listening, such as in a lecture, students actively handle objects and interact with both people and ideas. Active learning helps increase student understanding about the world an themselves.

In the preschool classroom, that means sensory motor experiences, moving the body, developing fine motor skills, and dynamic learning activities. For early childhood educators, active learning strategies are an essential educational tool.

Educational toys are one of the best ways to create active participants in classroom learning. Some toys that promote active learning include:

Balance Boards

Balance boards are an excellent toy for developing gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be used for various activities, such as standing, sitting, and rocking.

Balance boards can also be used to play games, such as “Simon Says” or “Red Light, Green Light.” These interactive games can help improve children’s listening skills and the ability to follow directions.

Building Blocks

Building blocks are a classic toy that never goes out of style. They promote creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Children can use them to build towers, bridges, castles, and many other imaginative structures. They also come in different sizes and shapes, which can help children learn about spatial awareness, size, and proportions.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments are a great way to introduce children to music and rhythm. They can help improve children’s fine motor skills, coordination, and memory in a fun and engaging way. Preschoolers can use instruments like shakers, tambourines, and drums to create their own music. They can also participate in group activities like singing and dancing that encourage socializing.

Sensory Bins

A classroom favorite, sensory bins are a fun and interactive way to introduce children to different textures, smells, and materials. They can help improve children’s sensory processing skills, as well as their language and vocabulary.

Preschoolers can explore various materials like rice, sand, water, or beans. They can also add toys like action figures or vehicles to enhance their play experience.

Puzzles

Puzzles are an excellent tool for developing problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills. They can also help improve children’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and patience.

Additionally, puzzles encourage young children to concentrate and persevere until a task is complete. Preschoolers can start with simple floor puzzles with large pieces and gradually progress to more complex ones.

Play Dough

A timeless classic, play dough is a versatile toy that can help children develop their creativity and imagination. They can play “zoo” or “farm” and make dough animals. Or try their hands at “cooking” by creating pretend food. Play dough can also help improve children’s hand strength, finger dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.

Active Games

Active games like tag, hide-and-seek, and hopscotch are perfect for promoting physical activity and social skills. They can help children improve their coordination, balance, and fitness levels. Active games can also help children develop teamwork and communication skills.

In conclusion, active learning toys are an essential tool in any preschool classroom. They provide fun and engaging learning experiences and help develop essential skills. By incorporating active learning toys into your classroom, you can create a fun and stimulating learning environment.

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