If you’re looking for some great STEM toys for preschoolers, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 5 great toys that will help build your preschooler’s STEM skills. From blocks, to coding and puzzles, this list has some of the best toys available on today’s market for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related education in your child’s life.
1. Magna-Tiles
This set of blocks can be played with by children as young as 2 and as old as 10. Rave reviews have been sent in by teachers and parents alike, for the endless possibilities provided by Magna-Tiles. They are simple blocks that are held together by magnets, allowing children (even the youngest) to create elaborate structures with having the same frustration they would have with regular blocks. Magna-Tiles can be used to make bridges, tunnels, marble tracks, or even doll houses. These magnetic blocks will not only have your preschooler playing for hours, but will have the engineering side of their brain working overtime.
2. Kibo
According to Working Mother, Kibo is a STEM toy for children as young as 4. This toy enters the world of all aspects of STEM, allowing children to build and decorate their very own robot. After it’s built, children can create their own coding sequence and instructions with the provided Kibo blocks. They can use their new robot to scan their newly made program and make the robot come to life. Kibo comes in four different kits and is sold as home-kits, or in classroom packages. Kibo receives great reviews for its ability to appeal to both the technical and creative sides of children.
3. Camelot Jr.
Disguised as a cute game, this STEM toy is a kid-favorite. Going beyond the basic building block toys, SmartGames created a wooden-block puzzle game that uses the fun of building block to solve problems and win the game. Included in the game are 48 different challenges at 4 varying skill levels. The goal of the game is to connect the prince and princess by building towers, bridges, and stairs as written out by the game’s “blueprint.” Children as young as 4 enjoy this Camelot-inspired game, immersing themselves into a world of fantasy while developing both engineering and problem-solving skills. Camelot Jr. is a favorite in both the classroom and at home.
4. The Magic School Bus Engineering Lab
We bet you can’t name a kid who doesn’t like The Magic School Bus. While the recommended age of this lab kit states a minimum of 5, most reviewers agree that younger children are completely capable of using the lab with adult help. This kit is bus-shaped and comes with 33 experiments for children to try. The Engineering Lab also comes with all the necessary parts for the experiments, which focus on mechanical, electrical, chemical, and civil engineering. Your little preschooler can design a car, construct a bridge, and even build a solar oven. The Magic School Bus Engineering Lab hits every aspect of STEM right on the head.
5. Mini Muffin Match Up
Created by Learning Resources, this STEM toy for preschoolers may be one of the most simple, yet effective on the list. It’s an early math game that will have your young child sorting, counting, and matching in no time, with the help of cute mini muffins and an adorable muffin pan. This game can be played in a variety of ways, in groups or on their own. Kids will build their fine motor skills, common core math skills, number recognition, and problem solving skills without even knowing it. The Mini Muffin Match Up is perfect for children ages 3-6 and is perfect for both classroom fun and family game night at home.
With so many terrific toys out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones are the best. If you’re looking for 5 of the greatest STEM toys for preschoolers, this list will set you on the right path to finding the perfect toy for your science and technology-loving child.
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