Let's begin with a simple statement: all play is educational. Through play children develop skills, values, attitudes, tolerance, and understanding. Toys are simply the equipment used by children in the process. All toys act as catalysts for learning. Some are more ideally suited for use in the discovery process of early learning or for mastering and reinforcing basic skills and concepts. However, one thing is certain: a toy will have no opportunity to be educational if it is not also fun.

Let's remember a few things: children need a balance between the challenge of mastering new skills and the reassurance of being able to perform tasks easily; some tasks are simply beyond them at certain stages and a too-demanding toy can only cause frustration and feelings of inadequacy; toys alone rarely educate without the support, encouragement, and occasional direction of an adult companion.

A special note is in order concerning computer-type toys. While these toys can be entertaining for children who have already mastered the skills they present, as learning aids some require intensive adult involvement. Careful consideration should be taken when purchasing a computer-type toy to ensure its features and functional capabilities are best suited to your child's interest and ability. Computer-type toys that have received our highest rating have a sufficient number of activities to sustain a child's interest, and they also have educational value.