At my most recent trip to Toy Fair in New York City, where leaders in the toy industry unveil their hottest toys set to release in the upcoming year, I saw that many companies are beginning to provide children with completely different ways to use their toys that enhance imagination and play experiences. For a good example, just look at LEGO.
LEGO, is an abbreviation of two Danish words "leg godt" which means "play well." LEGO is most known for their miniature stacking blocks that click together and bring worlds of castles, ninjas, pirates, and movies like Stars Wars and DisneyPixar Cars 2 to life. LEGO, has created a new podcast on iTunes, called LEGO DUPLO Jams. DUPLOS are larger blocks, that are easier to assemble and targeted for the preschool age range.
On the podcast site in keeping with their "play well" philosophy, parents can download free songs for their children ages 1-5 to listen to that promote the letters of the alphabet, color awareness and problem solving skills for sorting, while they build and click their LEGO's together. The fun and catchy songs called "Stick Together," "Build with Letters," "Sort Out the Blues," "Brick Racer," and "What Can I Be" are available for download for free on iTunes. A new song will be released each month.
Do you put background music on when your children are playing? What type of music do your children like to listen to?