Pre-schoolers across the country are testing educational toys for the holiday season.
At The Goddard School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, students ranging in ages from infancy to 6 years old are acting as ambassadors, voting for the “Top 10 Preschooler-Approved Toys” list.
“I think these are helping me learn, because now I know how to draw a house,” said Hadley, a student tester. “Last time I didn't know how to."
Teachers observe the children playing and rate the toys based on interactivity, skill development and creative inspiration.
“If the children are a little younger, the teachers will obviously observe and see what they like the most,” said Sheri Fiori, the school owner. “The older children will vote on their favorite toys.”
Big brand names, including Lakeshore Learning Materials, Faber-Castell and K’NEX provided the toys.
The program is in its eighth year. This is the second year the Highlands Ranch school has participated. This is just one of 46 other schools involved in the nationwide testing phase.
“The testing I think allows the parents to see what the kids are liking for the season, so it helps with some of that toy shopping,” said Fiori.
The list of winners will be announced November 2.
The Goddard Schools donate 100 of the winning toys to Toys for Tots during the holiday season.
