Lakeshore Learning Dollhouse Review: A Parent and Teacher's Perspective
Lakeshore Learning has long been a trusted source for educational materials, transitioning from a go-to for classroom supplies to a favorite for enriching home play. This review dives into the world of Lakeshore Learning toys, particularly focusing on dollhouses and related items, drawing from personal experience as both a former teacher and a parent. This article will explore the quality, open-ended nature, and educational value that Lakeshore Learning toys bring to children's play.
A Treasure Trove of Educational Toys
The accumulation of Lakeshore Learning toys over the years has been a rewarding experience. The toys are not fleeting fads but rather durable, engaging tools that foster independent play and spark creativity. These are not “one and done” toys that kids play with for a few days and move on from.
Toys for Babies and Toddlers
- Soft Feely Box: This has been a family favorite for years. Known as the “What Could it Be?” box, it continues to captivate children's attention.
- All About Me! Color Discovery Boxes: These boxes offer surprising developmental benefits.
- Button Size-Sorting Box: A favorite for young children, promoting fine motor skills and early math concepts.
- My First Sorting Bears: These bears are absolute gems for early sorting and color recognition activities.
- Mix & Match Farm Animals: These animals spark imagination and storytelling.
- Little Hands Animal Balls: These magical balls are a hit with babies.
- See-Inside Sensory Blocks: These blocks stimulate sensory exploration through shaking, stacking, and rattling.
- Hide & Seek Beehive: A delightful toy for developing fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Colorpillar Sorting Mat: This simple mat becomes a centerpiece for imaginative play scenarios.
- Peek-A-Boo Octopus: A cherished baby toy, now kept in a special collection of "Must Save Baby Toys."
- Soft & Washable Alphabet Blocks: These blocks introduce vocabulary and early literacy skills.
Toys for Preschoolers
- Big Knob Learning Puzzles: These puzzles remain engaging and beneficial for developing problem-solving skills.
- Best Buy Play Food Assortment with Let’s Go Shopping Basket: The only play food set needed for a play kitchen, conveniently stored in a shopping basket.
- Early Math Activity Center: The elephants included in this set offer endless possibilities for math exploration and imaginative play. The toy comes with reusable math pages that are awesome.
- Around Town Play Carpet: This "car carpet" is a fan favorite, especially when paired with toy cars.
- Classic Hardwood Learning Toys - Complete Set: A foundational set of Lakeshore toys that have stood the test of time, enjoyed by children of various ages.
- Real-Action Fire Engine: This sturdy fire engine is a great "first truck."
- Easy-Twist Animal Builders: These builders, known as "The Twists," encourage creativity and fine motor development.
- Tub of Cars and Trucks: A great starter collection for indoor vehicle play.
- Forest Friends Playset: This playset sparks imaginative storytelling and nature-based play.
- Ladybug Number Match: These ladybugs offer versatile play opportunities, from number matching to imaginative games.
- Puzzle Builders: A fun and versatile toy for math activities and independent play.
Toys for Elementary Aged Children
- Float & Find Alphabet Bubbles: A fun alphabet bath toy!
- My First Shaving Kit: This imaginary play kit is a hit for both boys and girls.
- Magnetic Pattern Blocks Builders: These magnetic blocks offer a unique twist on pattern play.
- Treehouse Imagination Builders: This is the toy. You need a hero toy to anchor play in your house, this is it. Pose and Play Kids sold separately.
- Lakeshore Pose & Play Kids: These kids are so great to have on hand. Just basic people toys to use in all kinds of play set ups.
- Play & Explore Rocket: Otherwise known as THE Rocket.
- Carry Around Animal Town: This toy is a dream. Every detail of this oversized “Polly Pocket” esque toy is perfection.
- Alpha-Sketch Light-Up Center: This light-up center is a favorite for creative expression.
- Wild Animal Counters: This set of animals is a must for open-ended play.
- Size & Color Teddy Counters: These teddy counters offer advanced sorting and counting activities.
- The Ultimate Fort Builder: This set is better than all others.
- Dinosaur Adventure Backpack: This backpack unfolds into a play mat and small world.
- Fantasy Adventure Backpack: it’s equally brilliant and has unicorns and Pegasus toys.
- Take-Along Train Station: This set is the total package for train enthusiasts.
- Precious Ponies Playset: This set packs back up into itself and the kids love a good farm.
- Number-Bots: Robots that turn into numbers.
- Mold & Play Sensory Sand Set: This kit is the best place to start with Lakeshore’s Kinetic Sand.
- Real-Working Cash Register: If you have a play kitchen, you’ve got to have a register.
- Stretch & Connect Builders: Such a fun random set of builders!
- Don’t Let the Bugs Fall: This game is awesome.
- Scoop-A-Bug Sorting Kit: These bugs come with magnifying cups and scoops which gives them just a little something extra.
- Soft & Lakeshore Magnetic Fishing Set: This set is a hit with kids.
- Arts & Crafts Supply Center: This is the Mother Load of crafty supplies.
- Build-it-Yourself Woodworking Kit: This has been fantastic for kids, ages 4-7.
- Kid-Sized Real-Working Tools: These tools have been everything to kids.
- A View from Around the World: This simple classic is still the best.
- Super Safe Paper Center: This is a great way to store your paper roll.
- Easy-Clean Craft Trays: These are great at home with kids and are used for art, kinetic sand, play dough, etc.
- My Keepsake Portfolio: This is great for wondering what to do with their art work.
- Economy Sand & Water Table: This is pretty much the most amazing thing and doubles as a kid activity table with sensory supplies hidden inside.
- No-Spill Paint Cups: These are essential.
- 3-Way Table Top Easel: This easel is cool and compact.
- Heavy-Duty Adjustable Vinyl Paint Aprons: These smocks have been a blessing for messy kids!
Lakeshore Learning: More Than Just a Store for Teachers
Lakeshore Learning offers a wide array of discovery toys, learning games, building sets, and crafting supplies suitable for all parents, regardless of their educational background. The company aims to empower parents to actively participate in their children's learning journey at home. Kits like the Truth or Myth? Science Kit provide parents with the resources and guidance to conduct engaging science experiments with their children. The kits include instructions and materials, making it easier for parents to facilitate hands-on learning experiences.
The Truth or Myth? Science Kit: A Closer Look
This kit is designed for parents who want to engage their children in science but feel overwhelmed by the prospect of gathering ideas and supplies. The kit includes instructions and materials for various science experiments, encouraging children to make hypotheses and explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities.
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