Page 16 - Toy & Hobbby Retailer Magazine Nov-Dec 2018
P. 16

TOY ASSOCIATION TRENDS
BEYOND THE BASICS
Toys that Teach
Laurie Chartorynsky, Toy Association trend expert, says that
toys have always taught kids important skills, but today’s STEM toys have stepped it up.
IT’S no secret that toys have taught generations of children important skills, from problem- solving and cooperation, to fine and gross motor skills. But today’s toys are taking it one step further by introducing kids to an array of complex subjects and concepts that were once reserved only for the classroom.
“Toy companies are continuing to find very inventive ways of incorporating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) subjects into toys in a way that is both educational and fun,” Adrienne Appell, trend expert at the U.S. Toy Association said.
‘Toys that Teach’ was one of the top toy trends of the year announced by The Toy Association at the 115th North American International Toy Fair in New York City.
At the February show, trend experts spotted an abundance of robotics and coding toys, science kits, engineering toys, and educational games.
“In addition to science and math-based toys, we also saw a lot of toys that teach kids how to make the world a better place – by being responsible citizens, kind to their friends, and open-minded about different cultures,” Appell said.
Read on for some examples of terrific toys and games that are sure to
inspire, motivate, and educate
kids of all ages.
BUILD AND LEARN
With Snap Circuits Bric: Structures kids can use their imagination to combine Snap Circuits with ordinary building bricks and make endless combinations
of construction and circuitry. ‘Bric-2-Snap’ technology allows kids to wire up their brick builds
with lights, sounds, moving parts, and 3D circuits to invent almost anything they desire.
Kids will learn spatial reasoning and abstract thinking by solving challenges with Cool Circuits. The puzzle card includes 40 different challenges ranging from student to expert and comes with a light up board, eight fluorescent 3D puzzle pieces, and challenge cards.
K’nex Imagine 4WD Crusher Tank Building Set is packed with more than 210 classic K’nex parts and includes instructions for three motorised builds that lets kids build vehicles that can scale virtually anything. Once constructed, kids can put their creations
to the test – if they are up for the challenge.
KID-FRIENDLY ROBOTS
Hexbug Ring Racer is a self-stabilising, remote controlled robot that runs mesmerisingly on dual spinning rings. Kids can watch their
bot spin, tumble, and flip over a full 360 degrees. Two-speed settings allow kids to
drive in regular mode, or blast-off into turbo mode.
The Jurassic World Pterano-Drone is
a quadcopter drone with a dinosaur on top that flaps its wings as it flies around. Kids can use the included remote to fly
it manually or engage the auto-circling and self-landing features.
Another kid-friendly feature is that it will automatically shut off if a child tries to grab the motors by squeezing the plastic case. ❉
DID YOU KNOW?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that STEM jobs will increase to more than nine million by 2022, so it’s no surprise that STEM has become something of a buzzword in the US toy industry. However, there has
been a lot of confusion about the true meaning of STEM and how it can be taught to children through play. To help tackle the challenges and myths related to STEM/STEAM learning,
The Toy Association has created a brand-new report: Decoding STEM/ STEAM. Assembled and reviewed by a committee of experts, the report aims to shed light on the meaning and history of the acronym, eradicate common myths and misconceptions, and define the role of toys and play in STEM and STEAM education. Google ‘decoding STEM’ to find out more.
16 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018
Mark your calendar now for the 116th North American International Toy Fair, taking place Saturday, February 16 to Tuesday, February 19 in New York City, and count yourself among the 30,000 global guests who will preview the hottest new toys and games. Visit www.ToyFairNY.com to learn more.


































































































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