Simple Educational Fun

It seems these days that there is a lot of pressure as a parent to provide educational environments at home. We are constantly bombarded with ads notifying us of the latest and greatest educational toy. Generally, these toys make noise in some way and will supposedly teach our children some skill such as counting. There are also many computer games and DVDs that are supposedly necessary. Even parents of babies are rushing to buy videos or gadgets that claim to increase knowledge. These items probably have their place, and I will admit to purchasing some of them.

However, after several years of parenting, I can also say that kids also learn just fine (and maybe sometimes better) by using simple, and sometimes free items that you may already own. Some things my kids, ages 7 and 3, seem to go back to time and time again are bubbles, chalk, books, rocks (yes, plain old rocks from our backyard), plastic stacking cups, wooden blocks, and crayons. You can have a perfectly educational and meaningful time with your child by letting him or her play in the bathtub and scoop and pour water from cups. Or, you could go outside and practice some letters with chalk and make silly drawings.

My kids also really like to make up their own learning time without my help. For example, my older child loves to match and sort things such as coins or small toy cars. This can keep him busy for a long time, and I feel like he is definitely learning from it, too.

Helping around the house is another way that seems mundane and yet can turn out to be educational. Usually, my children actually enjoy doing some simple tasks, especially my 3-year-old. He helps sort and put away laundry, and he also loves to "wash" his toys with diaper wipes.

Will I buy a few of the latest and greatest educational toys from the store this coming holiday season? Of course. But before long we'll be in the backyard again collecting rocks, I am sure of it.

Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of two young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.

Debbie Akers, a northeast Phoenix mom of three young sons, is a member of the Arizona Republic's Parent Advisory Panel.