The Goddard School Announces Top 10 Educational Toys For The Holidays

Oct. 22, 2013 - PRLog -- KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – October 22, 2013 – Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the national franchisor of The Goddard School^® preschool system, one of the largest early childhood education organizations in the nation, put this year’s best educational toys to the test just in time for the holiday season. With the help of extremely qualified toy experts, The Goddard School’s young children identified their top 10 choices of playful learning-inspired toys.

Aligning with The Goddard School’s philosophy of learning through play, children from 38 schools in 38 markets were given the opportunity to test toys that allowed them to use their creativity, imagination and skills while playing and learning.

This marks the sixth year for The Goddard School Toy Test. The process begins with toy manufacturers from across the country submitting products for evaluation and a review by The Goddard School Toy Testing Committee, comprised of early childhood education experts. This panel of education thought leaders evaluated entries based on a number of criteria, including encouraging interactive, child-initiated play; inspiring creativity and collaboration; and supporting skill development through playful learning. Toys deemed as “official finalists” were sent to participating Goddard School preschools where children, ranging in age from infants to six years old, spent a week putting the toys to the ultimate test. The children at The Goddard School voted for their favorites, and the votes were tallied to determine the Preschooler-Approved Top 10 Toys for 2013. The Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy Test winners are (in suggested age range order):

-      Tobbles Neo by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 6+ Months)

-      Go Go Friends Lady Bug by Chicco USA, Inc. (Suggested Age Range: 9+ Months)

-      Musical Owl by ALEX Toys, LLC (Suggested Age Range: 18+ Months)

-      Green Toys Rocket by Green Toys (Suggested Age Range: 2+ Years)

-      Tinker Toy 100-Piece Essentials Set by K’NEX (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

-      Squigz: Fun Little Suckers by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

-      CITIBLOCS 100-Piece Building Block Set in Hot Colors by Citiblocs (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

-      Super WHY! ABC Letter Game by University Games (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

-      Kinetic Sand by WABA Fun LLC (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)

-      Stack Up! By Peacable Kingdom (Suggested Age Range: 3-5 Years)

“Playful learning is at the core of our curriculum at The Goddard School. Toys that encourage learning through play can assist a child’s development by helping children solve problems, build self-confidence and collaborate,” says GSI’s vice president of education Craig Bach. “We hope our Preschooler-Approved Top 10 Toys will be a helpful resource for parents as they choose toys for their children this holiday season.”

The Top 10 Preschooler-Approved Toy List will be available for public vote via social media from November 1, 2013 to November 26, 2013 (12 Midnight EST). People can vote once per day at www.goddardschool.com/toytest.

The toy that receives the most votes will be announced as “Voted #1 in The Goddard School^® Preschooler-Approved Toy Test” on November 27, 2013. GSI will then purchase and donate 100 of the winning toys to Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes holiday gifts to less fortunate children in the community. For more information on The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com.

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About The Goddard School®: Celebrating 25 Years of Learning through Play

Learning for fun. Learning for life.^SM The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Talented teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. The Goddard School’s AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX. ^SM Learning Program reaches more than 45,000 students in 400 Goddard Schools in 35 states. The Goddard School’s comprehensive play-based curriculum, developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com.