Selecting The Right Toys For Your Children (NAPSA)—During the holiday season, the stores are packed with interests, skills and abilities,” says Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., ing it hard for parents to know van Learning Center. “To help a variety of toys and games, mak- which onesare best for their children. By selecting toys that offer a combination of fun and learning, parents can do more than just entertain their children—they can enhance reading and math skills while nurturing problem solving vice president of education for Syl- children learn while having fun, parents should look for toys that hold their child’s attention and give him orher the opportunity to think, discover something new and stimulate creativity.” To help parents identify toys and imagination. “Children learn through play that nurture learning in key areas and games that match their age, out shopping guide. and can greatly benefit from toys ! ! I 1 1 1 ! ’ 1 ! ! I 1 1 ! ! ! : ' 1 ! ! ! ! ! I 1 ! 1 ! ! : t 1 of development, Sylvan Learning Center offers the following clipQ ShoppingGuideForLearningToy: Math Blocks, LEGO’s, and Tinkertoys help children acquire reasoning skills necessary to learn math more quickly. Gameslike Connect Four and Yahtzee teach strategy and problem-solvingskills. Dominoeshelp youngerchildren recognize similar quantities and older children explore the concepts of probability. Reading and Writing Find a special diary or personalized writing tool for yourchild and she'll have hours of fun writing journalentries. Books help children enhance their vocabulary and appreciate words and literature. For guidance on age-specific books in her favorite subject areas, check out www.bookadventure.org. A subscription to a magazine such as Ladybug or Your Big Backyard will encourage him to learn more abouttopics thatinterest him. Games like Blurt!, TriBond and Mad Gab can help build language and vocabulary skills while having lots of family fun. Imagination andCreativity Pretend playwith dolls, stuffed animals and action figures can spark a child’s imagination. Dress-up costumes, dollhouses and other pretend props encouragechildren to tell stories and play make-believe. Consider pretend versions of everyday adult items. For example, on Easy-Bake Oven introduces children to basic food preparation skills, such as reading recipes. Fun art materials, such as paint sets or craft kits, can also help foster creativity. For more help selecting fun and educational toys this holiday season,visit Sylvan Learning Center at www.educate.com/tips or call 800-31-SUCCESS. @
