Logical Skills

Logic is the process by which one uses reason to come to a conclusion about a given scenario.  These skills are especially useful for children to learn because when they understand the methods that consistently help them find a solution, they are less inclined to give up or say "I don't know."  In this way, not only do kids learn helpful problem solving tactics, but they also gain confidence.

• Classic logic games include puzzles ,chess ,backgammon , and strategy games .
• SuDoku  is all the rage these days, and it's fun for both kids and adults.
• Card games  such as Magic  or Pokemon  encourage young minds to use problem solving--and kids are often so wrapped up in the game that they don't even realize that they're learning! Many board games are often just as fun. Give Mastermind  or Cluedo  a try.
• If your child is addicted to video games, offer a simulation game that teaches him or her to manage a business, keep a budget, etc. Sim City  and Zoo Tycoon  are classic examples, and tons of fun for kids. There are also games that require a great deal of logic and strategy in order to succeed, such as Top Trumps: Doctor Who  or Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords 

Math Skills

Like logic, mathematics are an essential tool for future success.  Clearly, jobs in this field can be extremely well-paid, but don't let that be your only incentive for trying to get your daughter to do her Algebra homework.  Maths are a universal concept, and through them, children are better able to grasp how to analyse, plan ahead, organise, and think rationally--that's good for everyone!

• Even there are wimpy electronic banking versions  of Monopoly  floating around, this classic board game is a fantastic way for kids to learn about addition, subtraction, and real estate tycoonism.
• Looking for more ideas? Try Blokus ,Rumis ,SuDoku , and GIPF , or the interactive Maths Mat Challenge Game .
• How about some educational video games? Favourites include Brain Age ,Maths Play  and Carmen San Diego Maths Detective .

Not only should you want your child to enjoy reading and writing for the sheer fun of it (come on, what could be better than escaping into a great book?), but an emphasis on verbal skills and instruction in foreign language have actually been shown to enhance children's cognitive development.  This in turn helps develop critical thinking capabilities, creativity, and flexibility of mind, which are absolutely critical facilities to possess in our fast-paced world.  Furthermore, there is evidence to support the theory that students who study a foreign language actually outperform monolingual children on standardized mathematics exams.

• To cultivate your kids' love for language and help them develop their vocabulary, try word games  such as crossword puzzles ,Scrabble , or Boggle .
• If your child is not a huge reader but enjoys drawing and painting, comic books  could be an easy way to get him or her more interested.
• Encourage your kids to write with an attractive journal . The sooner they enjoy writing and telling stories, the better!
• Reading to your child is one of the easiest ways to get them to love literature. Nursery rhymes  and fairy tales  are great for younger kids, and when they start to get older, they're sure to enjoy fantastic tales such as the Chronicles of Narnia  by C.S. Lewis, or stories by Roald Dahl .  For more information on choosing books everyone will love, check out ParentsChoice.com.
• There are a number of video and computer systems that can help teach children to read.  Popular ones include Blue's Clues ABCs ,Dr. Seuss Reading Games ,Reader Rabbit .Typing games  like Mavis Beacon  can also be an amusing challenge.

History and geography allow kids to better identify their place in the world: by learning more about their own history as well as that of other lands and cultures, they are invited to think critically and make comparisons.  These subjects help provide a stronger sense of identity, give guidelines by which to improve decision making and judgement, and allow children to see how they relate to society (and the world!) as a whole.

History

• Children's encyclopaedias  are a wonderful place to start the learning process. Not only are these tomes helpful for school projects, but they also allow children to hone their research techniques.
• Look for toys and games with a historical theme or centred around a particular event. Kids are often fascinated by dinosaurs or the ancient Egyptians, so a dinosaur-themed puzzle  or a game like Dig & Play: Egyptian Tomb  is sure to delight any budding archaeologists.
• Video games such as the History Channel  or Total War  series are a good option for older kids because they integrate historical events and competitive play.

Geography

• Globes ,3D maps , and compasses  are easy ways to get your children to think globally.
• Interactive games such as Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?  teaches both geography and culture in a very engaging way.
• Consider a subscription to National Geographic . Your kids will love poring over a brand new issue each month.

Kids automatically wonder about the world around them: how do birds fly?  What are stars anyway?  Can I make things blow up in my very own home?  Encourage your child's curiosity with science- and nature-themed toys and games and you'll help them satisfy those eager minds.

• Butterfly kits ,plant growing kits ,dinosaur kits ,crystal growing kits , and ant farms  are perfect ways for children to interact with the world around them. With these toys, young ones can learn more about the ecosystem and environmental matters. Of course, with the living kits, make sure your child treats them with respect.
• Telescopes, microscopes, chemistry kits , and rocket kits  will instruct kids in astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, and so on.
• Kids will also love learning about anatomy ,magnetics ,robotics ,electronics , and more.

Maths Toys

Language Arts Toys and Games

History and Geography Games

Science Toys

Creative Toys