Schleich first began producing comic figures such as the Muppets, Smurfs, Snoopy and many more you would recognize. Chances are you had a few as a child, I know I did. I had plenty of Smurf and Snoopy characters. Some thirty years later I still have some Smurfs that have plenty of play life to give.
My kids have always loved playing with small toys of the Schleich nature. The size was perfect for creative little hands and the imagination used is priceless. My two older kids had a huge box filled with toys like this they collected from many different places. The box was lovingly called “the character box” and the most played with item in their room. My two younger children are no different in their interest to play with small character toys. All four are different kids with different learning styles yet they can come together when playing with these little toys.
What about quality of Schleich?
I have owned more than my share of plastic figures for my kids as I’ve mentioned. Through the years the Schleich always held up in quality. The years did not fade the coloring and constant play did not wear the toys down. My kids play with them in the house, outside in the dirt, in the sand, in the car, wherever they could bring them. My 2 year old plays with some that used to belong to my 12 year old. My 10 year old still loves the knights and horses he got for Christmas some years ago. My 5 year old hoards as many as possible! While my 12 year old no longer “plays” with her collection she still appreciates them and has her favorites.
As a mom, I love the durability and how realistic they look. I also love the creativity that sparks while the kids play with them. Once you own a Schleich nothing else will do. It’s the same way I feel about Lego and Crayola. Sometimes only the best will do. I have four kids who play hard and many toys have fallen but not the Schleich.
How can you use them as educational tools?
Homeschooling moms find a way to use a variety of items for educational purposes. One will not have to make too many stretches to fit the Schleich figures into your educational plans. Schleich has figures of all kinds of animals from barnyard to safari and people from knights to fairies.
Here are some ways to use them in your homeschool:
Animal recognition for toddlers and preschoolers.
Animal classification for K-3rd.
Constructing an animal habitat.
Use as math counters to teach counting, addition and subtraction.
Use for narration.
Use to tell a story.
Have your child tell a story.
Use the knights and American Indians for history lessons.
What type of learners or age range for product?
I have tactile and auditory learners who both love these. These toys appeal to all types of children since it inspires the imagination of the child. The child determines the setting and story so these toys are not confined to a “type” of learner and it gives the toys longevity. These are the toys that a child will hold dear and will evoke fun memories in years to come. Can you tell I just love these toys? I think I love them as much as the kids. I am honestly not sure of the recommended age range or if there is a age due to safety. However, my 2 year old loves them and my 10 year old will still play along with them. My 12 year old would be more interested in collecting them. I know all of us can spend quite a bit of time looking through them at the stores. The Schleich display is a draw for us.
Disclosure: Some figures provided by Schleich for the purpose of review.