As we leap into the new school year, concerns are growing about the readiness of many young children, particularly those born during the pandemic, often referred to as “Covid babies.” Official reports suggest that this group is trailing behind previous cohorts in key areas like speech, language development, and overall school readiness. For parents facing the challenge of preparing their children for school, finding engaging and educational activities that support learning has become increasingly important.
Recognising these challenges, Orchard Toys has a new and existing range of educational games and puzzles designed to help children develop critical skills in a playful, stress-free way.
With products that have been tried and tested by teachers – many of which are also used in classrooms – Orchard Toys offers a fun foundation for supporting early childhood education.
Their games focus on essential skills such as literacy, language development, counting, turn-taking, and memory, helping to bridge the gap for children who may need additional support in getting ready for school. These games not only provide entertainment but also offer parents a way to make learning a part of everyday playtime, without the pressure often associated with formal schooling.
For parents looking to give their children a head start as they begin primary school, Orchard Toys offers a range of options:
- Match and Spell: This game has been a hit in our house. It’s fun and engaging, and I’ve noticed how it helps with letter recognition and basic word building. It’s a great way to get kids excited about early reading and spelling. Perfect for ages 4+.
- Nutty Numbers: If you’re looking to make counting fun, this is a great choice. The game keeps kids entertained while reinforcing their number skills.
- Giant Alphabet (NEW): This extra-long jigsaw puzzle is not only educational but interactive, making learning the alphabet a hands-on experience. My little one loves the challenge of fitting it all together, and it’s great for ages 3+.
- Peter Rabbit™ Fish and Count (NEW): Counting with Peter Rabbit and his friends adds a charming twist to learning numbers. It’s simple but effective, and the familiar characters make it even more appealing for young children.
- Dotty Dinosaurs: This game combines fun with learning as kids match colours and shapes. It’s been a great way to help improve recognition skills.
For older children who are returning to school this September, Orchard Toys offers educational games designed to refresh key skills while keeping learning light and enjoyable.
- What’s the Time Mr. Wolf?: A lively board game that helps children master both analogue and digital time-telling skills. (Ages 5–9)
- Number Bears: A game introducing addition and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. (Ages 5+)
- Magic Spelling: A literacy game that adds a dash of magic to developing spelling skills. (Ages 5–7)
- Times Tables Heroes: A superhero-themed game that encourages children to practice their times tables, featuring two games in one—multiplication bingo and a board game. (Ages 6–9)
- Buzz Words (NEW): A fast-paced literacy and spelling game offering four different ways to play, with additional activities to extend learning. (Ages 5+)
All of these games are affordable, with prices ranging from £9.75 to £12, and they’re perfect for keeping learning enjoyable. For more information, visit www.orchardtoys.com and Amazon.
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