Learning with Educational Toys

As fall turns to winter and the holiday season approaches, families in different communities may struggle to afford Christmas presents for their children. 

The UF Chapter of Children Beyond Our Borders is hosting a toy drive until December 1 and accepting donations from all members. Specifically, toys that can help children learn are in demand. One of CBOB’s missions is “providing educational tools that stimulate self-esteem, interest, curiosity, and innovation through our mentoring and vocational education program.” With donations from the community, the right toys can serve as educational tools for children to learn in a fun way!

Scrabble
What better way to help a child pick up new vocabulary and learn how to spell than Scrabble? This popular board game may be helpful when trying to practice English with children. Not only will they be challenged to form their own words, but they will also be able to learn from your example through the words that you create. 

Play Cash Register
Children are expected to reach different milestones in their math skills as they grow older. One way to have fun while practicing math is with a play cash register! Kids can learn how to add, subtract, and handle money. At the same time, they will learn real-life skills that can be applied in the future when buying groceries from the store. 

Soccer Balls
Get kids to play outside with the gift of a soccer ball! A game of soccer can help build new friendships with other children while also fostering teamwork. Along with soccer balls, any other toys that can promote exercise and physical activity, like jump ropes, would be beneficial for the children. 

With the right tools, children can learn from play. Toy drives are a great way to help your community, and charities around the nation are facilitating them. The Toys for Tots program, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has gathered toy donations for children since 1947. To date, there have been 566 million toys distributed and 258 children supported by Toys for Tots. Through the UF Children Beyond Our Borders toy drive, children who might not have otherwise had access to educational toys will have the chance to receive a great present this year. Donate to the UF chapter of Children Beyond Our Borders by turning in toys at any UF chapter event or by emailing ufchapter@chbob.org to set up a meeting.
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Here's the link to see the acceptable toys that can be donated: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vv9DXwVSmD2eeC_BJgX_q92YSTqB-AKf58MIPXGGAUg/edit 

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