Teaching the initial building-blocks behind writing, spelling and reading can feel like a tough task. These vital, early stages of education can mean the difference between a child feeling confident in English, or lagging behind.
This is why many parents turn to interactive toys to help kids learn the basics of the English alphabet and phonics. Learning through play is a tried-and-tested way to make learning fun and interactive. There are many options out there for you to choose from - but what toys are the most effective? Are some proven to help children learn faster than others?
In the following sections, we’re going to take a look at some of these.
Traditional Alphabet Toys & Phonics Toys
There’s a good chance you’ve seen wooden alphabet blocks yourself. Perhaps you grew up with a leapfrog alphabet toy, or am early learning product. These have been a traditional way for children to learn the alphabet.
Each wooden block displays a different letter, allowing kids to pick them up and learn through touch and sight. Alphabet blocks are often placed in a child’s room or toy chest early on in their life, exposing them to the English alphabet as they grow up.
So how good are wooden alphabet blocks for learning? This depends on how they are used by a parent. They can be a great way for a child to get a passive understanding of letters, but without additional help they won’t understand the sound that these letters make. There are also no additional features that help children to engage with other learning styles, I.E: auditory.
Other traditional alphabet educational toys include more creative examples, for example an alphabet train toy.
Digital Learning Apps & Tools
In our modern, digital age, educational apps have become a popular tool for teaching children various subjects, including the alphabet and phonics. These apps make use of interactive games, bright colours, and stories to engage children in learning.
While digital learning apps are an easy way to engage kids in the learning process, they come with a major downside - screen time! Across the world, we’re beginning to understand that excessive screen time can be harmful to developing minds. This can make digital apps & tools not the most reliable way of teaching children phonics and the alphabet - though they can still be used as a complementary method!
Interactive Learning Toys
So what about toys that are interactive, but don’t have a screen for a child to be absorbed in? Interactive learning toys such as ABC pads are some of the most effective tools for teaching the alphabet and phonics to children.
Toys like the My ABC Piano combine tactile, visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning styles to create a comprehensive educational tool. Suitable for ages 18 months and up, My ABC Piano, features a number of touch-sensitive keys that invite children to play sounds and create words.
If you’re looking for a good ABC pad, here are some of the key factors to look out for:
- Multi-sensory Engagement: It should engage children by combining touch, sight, and sound, catering to different learning styles and making the learning process more engaging and effective.
- Interactive Learning: A good interactive learning toy should combine songs and games to engage the child and test their knowledge through play.
- Durability and Child-Friendly Design: Given that children will be using it, a good ABC pad should be durable enough to withstand drops, spills, and the general wear and tear of daily use. Look for devices made with sturdy, non-toxic materials. The design should also be child-friendly, with large, easy-to-press buttons, and a size that fits comfortably in young hands.
Teach your child the alphabet and phonics in a fun, easy and interactive way with My ABC Piano
If you’re looking for an interactive phonics toy that teaches children the English alphabet - My ABC Piano might be the perfect choice for your child. Designed to teach kids in an interactive way without screens, it caters to all 4 learning styles, helping your child to develop reading and spelling skills before they reach schooling age.
It combines touch-sensitive piano keys with responsive audio, phonics songs and alphabet games to give your child a comprehensive understanding.
My ABC Piano - making phonics fun and easy for your little one!