STEM and Interactive Toys in Mississauga. The Trend that Helps Children Develop Skills.

STEM and interactive toys have become more and more popular in Canada, particularly in Mississauga. As a result, traditional toys have been left aside.

But, what is the purpose of STEM and interactive toys? You might ask. Namely, the main purpose of this type of toy is to develop specific thinking skills in children.

These toys help children learn about math and science, as well as develop their creativity. “STEM toys usually have a strong connection to robotics, coding and generally also in the act of making things.” (Statista, 2020, p.33).

What Does STEM Mean?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. However, it was only in the early 2000’s that it became a trend within the education.  This trend began to develop due to the increasing number of parents enrolling their children in STEM programs. As a result, there was more interest in STEM topics.

Parents enrolled their children in STEM programs with the objective of improving their thinking skills and expanding their knowledge. The reason for this decision is that these skills can be applied in school, college and in their professional lives. Furthermore, they will support the general learning process of children.

Similarly, this resulted in a new interest within the toy industry to develop STEM toys. “These trends currently shape the market and are the industry’s answer to a changing consumer interest: STEM toys aimed to teach kids tech skills and math in an amusing way” (Statista, 2020, p 4).

Kids playing with STEM toys
Kids playing with STEM toys. From Pexels by Vanessa Loring (https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/hombre-gente-edificio-mono-7869049/).

 

5 Benefits of STEM and Interactive Toys.

Some of the most important benefits of STEM and interactive toys are:

  • Increased curiosity and sense of solution exploration
  • Improved teamwork skills.
  • Developed coordination and movement skills
  • Promotion of math learning through play
  • Increased common sense and brain development
Kid playing and learning with STEM toys
Kid playing and learning with STEM toys. From Pexels by Alena Darmel (https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/coche-mesa-joven-habitacion-7750708/)

Why Do Parents Prefer STEM and Interactive Toys?

Today, many parents still have an interest in introducing their children to STEM environments from an early age. These environments involve classes about topics such as robotics and children playing with STEM toys. Therefore, children can get the benefits of STEM from these environments.

In addition, STEM and interactive toys are enjoyable and provide children the opportunity to learn while playing. Moreover, this helps parents address their concern about children spending a lot of time in front of a screen.

One of the most popular STEM environments, preferred by parents and children, is robotics. Robotics involves all the STEM areas. That makes it a complete learning experience.

Robots are considered STEM toys that allow children to be creative while learning and having fun. "Some studies have demonstrated that building robots encourage skills such as creativity, problem-solving and teamwork." (Klein & Szmodiz,2021)

To sum up, parents should give their children STEM and interactive toys like robots. Eventually, they will be a useful tool for both their learning process and their leisure time.

Learning process
Learning process. From Pexels by Alena Darmel (https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/boligrafo-nina-colegio-tecnologia-7742832/)

Rov, The GEEKY Rover, The New STEM and Interactive Toy, Available Now in PSB Toys!

If you are looking for a place where you can find STEM and interactive toys in Mississauga, PSB Toys is the place. Located on Confederation Parkway, PSB Toys has a new product called Rov, the GEEKY Rover.

The GEEKY Rover is a STEM and interactive toy that allows children to be creative by learning to build a robot that can drive itself and avoid obstacles.

In addition, The GEEKY Rover allows children to learn about math and logical sequencing; It also teaches children how to manipulate electrical currents to control the movements of Rov.

Girl playing with a STEM toy
Girl playing with a STEM toy. From Pexels by Vanessa Loring (https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/nina-mono-joven-mirando-7869047/).

Know more about Rov, the GEEKY Rover

 References

Klein & Szmodiz, R&P. (2021, October 21). 9 Best Robot Toys for Kids That Make Learning STEM Fun. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/g24516168/robotics-for-kids/

Statista Consumer Market Outlook. (December 2020). Toys & Hobby Report 2020. Statista Market Report