I know, I know, you thought this month I would be talking about spooky and slimy toys because I’ve been spreading the word that Halloween Is Not Canceled!!!! This month though, I thought I would do something else. I wanted to share toys that had educational abilities AND could be costume inspiration!!!
If your littles are anything like mine then you’re in need of multiple costumes even if you don’t have too many plans! This year, JustaBXgirl has already been a Descendant’s Mashup (Maldrey – part Audrey, part Mal) and a Queen Bee not to be mistaken for the LOL doll. She still has zombie coming, a black cat and I think something else that she hasn’t shared with me yet!
If your minis need some inspriation and some educational play check these out:
Build A Skyscraper – JustaBXgirl was so excited when this arrived. Apparently, she had something similar in one of her old classes and loved playing with it. I love that this has so many learning components to it. There’s literacy, vocabulary, social studies and history before you even take the slot cards out of the box! The building guide included in the box not only shares how to use the cards but defines the word skyscraper including going over the roots of the words. It discusses the features and evolution of skyscrapers and so much more. Then we can get into the actual slot cards. They are not only good for designing but are great for helping with eye hand coordination and planning. As for Halloween, once you have an erected skyscraper, you can discuss different jobs that make building an actual one possible, think construction worker, architect, electrician. And you can go even further and ask about the people that might work and live in the skyscraper after it is built, think doorperson, elevator operator, janitor.
Pixel Star Dreamhouse – I hadn’t realized when I coveted this item that there would be an educational component to it. I loved that it reminded me of a lot of the apps that my daughter likes to play without ads or her having to be connected to the internet. She gets to be three different characters. She gets to decorate their homes, choose their appearances and play games that earn her coins. Each character has her own career. This game educationally is ideal for once again discussing professions. I love that this one includes social media star. Social media is a really important part of our littles lives and being able to open the conversation about it and what it means to work as an influencer professionally can be difficult for some children (and adults to grasp). This is the perfect way to open the door. The other two careers are chef and fashion designer. Each of these careers is a great theme for a Halloween costume and even better theme for a life skills lesson. Of course, each lesson can also include math and reading if you bounce from the game to real life creations. And don’t forget the money management angle when it comes to purchasing resources to complete your job goals, build your dream wardrobe and decorate your dream house!
Pass Back Football – Being an only child stuck at home during a pandemic is not always fun and games. There’s nobody to play with and you’re stuck inside A LOT. Toys like this are blessings for mama and baby. It allows a child to throw the ball and basically have it passed back to you! With the weather cooling down a bit we are able to get out the house more and find spaces to play. All you need is a wall! This is a great tool for at home gym class. And of course, it inspires us to dress up like football players for Halloween.
