How do you keep kids engaged after school?
After-school care (BSO) plays a crucial role in the daily lives of children and parents. Parents look for a place where their children can have fun while learning. Learning through play is key. But how do you strike a good balance between relaxation and education? The answer lies in the right choice of activities and toys. Educational toys, especially technical toys, are ideal for stimulating the development of children aged 5 to 12.
Why learning through play works
Children learn best when they're having fun. Playful learning is based on the idea that children are actively involved in what they do. By building, experimenting, and discovering, they develop important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and perseverance. This form of learning is especially ideal in after-school care, where children often need playful relaxation after a busy day at school.
The power of educational toys
Educational toys combine fun with educational elements. They're designed to introduce children to various topics like technology, physics, math, or language in a playful way. This is a great solution for after-school care: you offer children something that's not only fun but also contributes to their development. Think of building sets, experiments, logic puzzles, or construction materials. By using these, children playfully develop cognitive, motor, and social skills.
Technical toys: building skills
Technical toys are a special category within educational toys. They teach children how things work. Think of gears, levers, motors, or circuits. Children from about age 5 are naturally curious and want to understand how things work. For children up to age 9, technical toys offer just the right challenge: they're neither too simple nor too complex. Moreover, they stimulate their logical reasoning, motor skills, and spatial awareness.
Suitable for every age group at the after-school care center
Most educational and technical toy solutions are suitable for children aged 5 to 10. Younger children (grades 1 and 2) may need a little extra guidance but can quickly participate independently. Older children (grades 3 through 6) can often build and experiment independently. The toy's structure and instructions are often visual and easy to follow, making it easy for caregivers without technical knowledge to assist.
Work independently with clear instructions
A major advantage of modern educational toys is that they're designed to be used independently. Children receive clear, visual instructions that guide them step by step through the process. This not only promotes their independence but also gives caregivers the freedom to supervise multiple children simultaneously or perform other tasks.
More than a one-time activity
A common concern in after-school care is that toys quickly become boring or break. Well-designed educational toys, especially tech toys like the Zappiebox, are a different story. After a project is built, children can play with it for weeks. Think of catapults, vehicles with gears, or electric games they've assembled themselves. It stimulates their imagination and gives them a sense of pride: "Look, I made this myself!"
Flexible deployment, even during holiday periods
Another advantage of this type of toy is its flexibility. After-school care centers deal with varying group sizes, holiday schedules, and various locations. It's important that toys accommodate these changes. Educational toys that are delivered monthly and allow for flexible breaks or adjustments to the number of boxes are ideal. This ensures the selection is always tailored to the realities of the daycare setting.
Sustainable and responsible
More and more organizations are looking for sustainable alternatives. Fortunately, a growing number of educational toy suppliers are working with biobased or recycled materials like wood, cardboard, and paper. This is not only good for the planet but also safe for children. At Zappiebox, for example, all materials are carefully selected and CE-certified.
Overview of benefits for the BSO:
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Educational and technical toys stimulate learning through play
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Suitable for children from 5 to 10 years old
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Activities with lasting fun
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Can be carried out independently with minimal guidance
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Flexible in terms of numbers and times
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Durable materials, safe to use
Zappiebox as a practical solution
Zappiebox is an example of a subscription model where after-school care centers receive a monthly educational technology box. Each month focuses on a different technology project, from a ping-pong shooter to a hydraulic arm or a musical game. The boxes are designed for children aged 5-10, include clear instructions, and are made of sustainable materials. Moreover, after-school care centers can flexibly adjust the number of boxes per month and pause them during holidays.
Conclusion: Learning through play as a valuable investment
Educational and technical toys in after-school care are much more than just entertainment. They're an investment in children's development, the job satisfaction of caregivers, and the satisfaction of parents. Learning through play fosters enthusiasm, growth, and lasting enjoyment. With solutions like Zappiebox, you can get the most out of every after-school care afternoon.
Interested?
Want to see what this looks like in practice or try out Zappiebox at your after-school care center? Feel free to inquire about the options: click here