Toys that teach - educational toys - buyers guide
Author: Essence

We can give our youngsters a head start in the classroom by buying toys and games that enhance their learning at each stage of development. But what are the characteristics of each developmental stage and which products should we choose? We asked Dr. Susan Ginsberg, an associate dean at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City and Dr. Cynthia Whitfield, an expert in child development in Oakland, for their opinions.

There's a world of difference between 4- and 6-year-olds, says Ginsberg. At 4, youngsters are still attached to their parents, very dependent on teachers and just beginning to make friends with other kids; by 6, they tend to be more outgoing-eager to explore the world and learn new skills. "When they're 5, they're beginning to know right from wrong and developing a conscience, but as they near 7, the conscience and the sense of morality are even more important. They talk a lot about things being fair-it's not fair this, or it's not fair that," says Ginsberg. "This is also the time when they start really learning to read in school, so they're very anxious to be competent.

TOY TIP: "Give them toys that encourage their creativity and show what they're capable of doing," says Whitfield. "You should give them building blocks, puzzles and toys of that kind. And of course you should always make sure there are positive images of Black children and adults in your child's books, dolls and games. OUR SUGGESTIONS: 1-2-3 Africa and Black ABC's blend the challenge of a puzzle with the charm of positive cultural images. In the 25-piece Africa puzzle, each number is matched with an African image or object that corresponds to that number; the ABC's puzzle (26 pieces) matches each letter of the alphabet with a word and picture that relate to Black history or culture. From Identity Toys, (414) 562-7776; $7 for one, $12 for both.