SO DO STEM TOYS WORK?
Not everyone agrees that learning toys are a great idea.
That includes Ken Seiter from The Toy Association. A
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early childhood development “crazy.” Some kids like the
chemistry set, and some like the box it comes in, he
says. Either way, they’re playing and exploring their
world. STEM toys can be part of healthy childhood
development, but they should be only a part.
For parents, making a STEM purchase may be an act of
hope—but buying decisions don’t have to be made in
the dark. Read reviews and understand how a toy tries
to teach. Think about where your children’s interests
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new one. Talk to your children’s teachers for ideas on
what is likely to stimulate their imagination. And
bear in mind that these toys are designed to be
challenging, so be prepared to play with your kids,
keeping them motivated during rough patches, asking
questions, taking the lead at times, but never giving too
much assistance.
“I think it’s okay maybe to sit back and let kids play,”
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feel it would be nice to relax and see where the kids are
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where they should be headed.”
A former
educational
psychologist,
Ken Seiter
finds the
mania for early
childhood
development
‘crazy.’PC MAGAZINE DIGITAL EDITION (^) I SUBSCRIBE (^) I JUNE 2019