It is around the time when planning for the next preschool year begins. I love to choose items and curriculum for my preschooler. Perhaps it is because I am such a kid at heart. Preschool is a wonderful time of exploration and teaching through games.
One of the questions I receive most is about products, curriculum, and games that I recommend for the preschool years. In this next series on Preschool Picks, I will share the best I have used and come across.
The first item I want to share is My Very First Educational Play Zoo by HABA. Last month I introduced you to this treasure trove and since some have asked me more about it on my Facebook page. I highly recommend this game for the preschool years and here are my reasons for such high praise.
Ten Games in One: I love a variety and this game certainly gives you that. The game comes with wooden animal pieces, super heavy and sturdy cardboard animal and other pieces, wooden dice, two double sided game boards, a fabric bag (essential to the games). The pieces are rarely used for the same thing twice and the creativity of using the pieces and the game boards keeps it interesting and fresh. The games range in age and ability level while all being fun and engaging. It is many afternoons of fun in a box. Just one box and be taken to grandma’s or a friend’s house for all day fun. I love the convenience of so much fun in one easy to store box. I also enjoy the variety within the games. While the lessons may be reinforced throughout the games the games are unique.
Quality: From the box down to the smallest wooden coconut piece the quality is excellent. It has survived two girls and a mom who love playing board games in the afternoon. Believe me, we work those games.
Educational Value: I was quite surprised how well thought out the games were in My Very First Educational Play Zoo. I should expect nothing less from HABA. The games were multi-sensory oriented and each and will enhance any current lesson on numbers, colors, or memory you may already be teaching. We loved the games that required you to pick out a shape or animal from the bag without looking! How fun is that? Each game teaches multiple lessons.
Child Tested: When a game can teach a lesson while becoming a favorite fun game you know it’s a winner. My preschooler loves the games and chooses this for game time more than any other game.
My First Educational Play Zoo gets high marks on value, quality, imagination, fun, and educational value, which makes it a definite Preschool Pick.