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Toys and Games that Encourage Kids to Recognize Letters and Numbers

Activities for Kids ages 4-7

By , About.com Guide

Before children can write the letters of the alphabet, at the preschool age, they will first need to recognize each individual letter by sight. Many parents opt for flashcards and repetition, which not all children respond to or enjoy. These are toys and games that will encourage kids to learn letters and numbers in fun, motivating ways.

1. Hasbro Alphabet Scoop

©Hasbro

Kids pick a letter card and dip their scoop into the bowl to retrieve letters. After dumping the letters onto the cards, they pick a word. Who ever is the first to match all the correct letters to their card wins. Great fun way to learn about matching letters.

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2. Playskool Alphie

Alphie the Educational Toy from Playskool - Alphie Teaches Preschool SkillsPhoto © Playskool

Kids can place different cards on the front of this interactive talking robot. Alphie will encourage kids to listen to directions and participate in matching games to learn about colors, letters and numbers.

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3. Wikki Stix Alphabet Cards

©Wikki Stix

Kids can practice learning the letters of the alphabet by placing these non-toxic wax strips of yarn on top of the corresponding letter cards.

 

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4. Cranium Cariboo Island

©Hasbro

Kids of all ages will love searching for the hidden treasure coins to unlock the treasure while they match colors, shapes, letters and numbers along the way. 

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5. Crocodile Hop

©Learning Resources

This game takes up a lot of floor space and encourages children to roll dice and learn about colors, shapes and numbers. After rolling the dice and finding the nearest color to the start of the game, kids hop forward on the logs to the matching space and leave their individual marker. The next person takes a turn. The first person to make it across the logs and stones by matching colors, shapes and numbers wins!

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6. Chutes & Ladders

©Hasbro
Children will move the spinner to determine how many spaces they will move their pawn along the gameboard. Some spaces will encourage them to climb the ladder, closer to the finish line. Other spaces encourage them to slide down the chute, near start. This game encourages recognition of numbers 1-100.
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7. Trouble

©Hasbro
By pushing the bubble in the middle of this board game that pops the dice, kids will strategically move their pieces around the gameboard. Get all your pawns first to your home base to win.
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8. Teach Me Time Clock

©Onaroo byAmerican Innovative
One of the most challenging things to teach kids related to numbers is the concept of time. This clock has many features that include a nightlight and an "OK to Wake" mode. For young children, the color of the alarm clock will change from yellow to green letting kids know that it's the right time to wake up! There is a snooze button, as well as an integrated game that teaches kids about telling time. Parents can set the clock to display both the clock hands, digital time, or both depending on the child's ability. Includes AC power adapter. Batteries are not required but may be used for (optional) clock/settings backup.
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