TORONTO, June 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Toy Association, working with a Toronto Area Elementary School, asked 84 second graders to play with and give feedback on dozens of new toys this spring. They had a blast and confirmed that play is an important part of childhood learning and development.
Kids learn life-long skills through play. Skills such as Physical, Emotional, Social, Cognitive, Creative and Communication. The Canadian Toy Association Playdate was a great opportunity to see the benefits of play in action. The highlights of the day were captured in a fun and inspirational video that the CTA is pleased to share with you.
We asked the kids for their feedback:
- Active Play Won the Day with the X-Shot Bubble Ball from ZURU scoring highest among Boys and Highest overall as favorite toy, with Power Wheels® Wild Thing™ from Mattel scoring the top-spot for Girls.
- In outdoor play, high marks also went to Bunch O Balloons from ZURU, N Accustrike Alphahawk from Nerf/Hasbro, and a strong STEAM entry Dig It Up! Minerals and Fossils by Mindware.
- The trend towards table top games that encourage social interaction and communication skills was reflected in the votes with Toilet Trouble from Hasbro, Safe Breaker from YULU and Crankity by Fat Brain Toys from Outset Media, all scoring high marks.
- Indoor STEAM toys that won high marks from our testers included: the SPRK+ from Sphero, Stikbot Pets from Zing, the Science X Smartscope from Ravensurger and a spin on the classic K'NEX set – the STEM Explorations: Swing Ride Building Set.
- Special Mention to the LEGO Heartlake Summer Pool that proved to be very popular with several of the Girls, and the Playmobil Ghostbusters Ecto-1 which showed broad appeal.
- Fidget and collectible toys were very popular. Teachers felt they would be great tools for developing fine motor skills. Fidget spinners and cubes from ZURU, LOL surprise dolls from MGA Entertainment and Colleggtables from Spin Master were rated very highly by the children.
A full listing of all of the Toys that were tested can be found on the Canadian Toy Association website at www.canadiantoyassociation.ca. More information on the benefits of play can be found at www.thegeniusofplay.org. The Canadian Toy Association will also make spokespeople available to address any follow-up questions or interview requests.
SOURCE Canadian Toy Association
Danielle Russell, Canadian Toy Association, 416.596.0671 x 222, Cell: 416.997.1196, Email : [email protected]
Related Links
http://www.canadiantoyassociation.ca
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