Parents often excuse themselves by saying they don’t find traditional games, especially age-specific games for growing children in the market. And for this reason, they are forced to allow their children to play games on mobile devices. It is true that children learn more when they play with educational games. Digital games may be educational in nature, but they increase screen time, decrease attention span, and make children idle.

 

If you are also of the opinion that traditional games are less valuable than their digital counterparts, then this blog can be an eye-opener for you. Here, we’ll discuss the ten best wooden games, especially from the collection of Maria Montessori, that are still relevant for children. These are educational games also recommended by pediatrics for the overall growth and development of kids.

 

1. Wooden Building Blocks

 

It is fun to play with building blocks. Children love to build different things using the block pieces of different shapes and sizes. The challenge here is to fix two blocks to create a meaningful design. This game is no less than a puzzle for toddlers. It is also available on mobile, but mobile blocks lack the following advantages:

 

·       Develop awareness about shapes and sizes.

·       Learn to balance things one over the other.

·       Rely on the trial-and-error learning method.

·       Introduce basic engineering skills.

 

The building block game allows players to use their creativity to construct different objects they see. For example, kids can make homes, bridges, towers, cars, and anything they can imagine. For this reason, it look new forever.

 

 

Best for: Ages 1.5 years and up

 

2. Wooden Shape Sorters

 

Everything has a definite shape and size. It is what this game teaches. It teaches many things, such as the space covered by different objects. Children can also learn about colours. It involves arranging objects on a board according to their shapes and sizes. It is also available on mobile apps, but it is more enjoyable when played with wooden objects.

 

Children learn the following things:

 

·       Identifying various shapes, sizes, and colours

·       Recognizing objects according to their spatial features

·       Improve hands-eye coordination

·       Develops basic math and reasoning

 

Children figure out which shape fits and how much space a specific shape consumes on the playing board. They can even measure the space for a deeper understanding. These skills are almost missing on screens.

 

 

Best for: Ages 1-3 years

 

3. Wooden Puzzles

 

Whether knob puzzles or complex jigsaws, wooden puzzles attract and challenge all ages. However, playing manually enhances the overall experience. Picking each knob or jigsaw piece and placing it at the right place is something digital games can never offer. If educators are to be believed, puzzles can play a crucial role in the mental development of kids.

 

How puzzles help mental development:

 

·       Enhance memory and concentration.

·       Provide a deep understanding of designs.

·       Improve fine motor skills.

·       Develop patience and perseverance.

 

Wooden knobs or pieces serve as tools to finish a specific design. Children learn to match the pieces through their design, size, and weight. Digital games may offer different levels, but they provide little help in mental development.

 

Best for: Ages 2 years and up (depending on complexity)

 

4. Wooden Stacking and Nesting Toys

 

Nesting (storing), stacking (vertical), sequencing (ordering), and sorting are simple, yet deceptive games designed to tease brains. For example, stacking rings may look convenient, but it involves hand-eye coordination and movement. Similarly, grouping objects according to their shape, size, or colour requires a good understanding of geometrical designs. For younger children, these games help them understand spatial concepts.

 

How stacking and nesting toys help:

 

·       Learn to compare sizes and sequence objects.

·       Enhances problem-solving skills

·       Strengthens hand-eye coordination

·       Simplify basic math skills.

Nesting and stacking games are necessary for kids. They help develop interest in math. Children become familiar with different geometrical designs and their uses in everyday life. Completing a nesting or stacking game also builds confidence. 

 

 

Best for: Ages 1–4 years

 

5. Wooden Alphabet and Number Boards

 

Board games can help children learn the alphabet and numbers. They can be quite helpful in improving the academic experience of kids. For example, children can repeat the alphabet, letters, numbers, and numeric signs learn in school at home. They can learn vowels and form meaningful words using letters and vowels. Similarly, they can develop a good understanding of basic math while playing board games.

 

Things children learn from board games:

 

·       Recognizing letters, vowels, numbers, and numeric signs

·       Improving the basics of spelling and math

·       Encouraging critical thinking and reasoning

·       Strengthening memory through recognition

 

Identifying letters and numbers and sequencing them on boards is an educational game. It exercises both the hands and the brain. Children can also try creative things, such as making calculations and creating sentences.

 

Best for: Ages 3–6 years

 

6. Wooden Pretend Play Toys (Animals, Vehicles & Figures)

 

Pushing a toy car on the floor gives a real-life experience of driving. Similarly, riding a wooden horse gives the feel of riding a friendly horse. Children learn traffic rules and balancing. They also feel a sense of ownership. A toy car is a prized possession of a kid. However, the same thing can’t be said about mobile games. Driving a car on mobile feels safer, but lacks the basic training of driving.

 

 

How pretend play toys help:

 

·       Develop an interest in animals, plants, and automobiles.  

·       Help learn to communicate with animals and manage automobiles.

·       Develop storytelling and role-playing abilities.

·       Strengthen creative thinking

 

Children learn to create challenges and find solutions to those challenges. For example, they learn to drive clear of roadblocks.

 

Best for: Ages 2 years and up

 

7. Wooden Train Sets

 

Trains play an important role in modern life. A train is an engineering marvel. It runs on railway tracks, running through woods, deserts, countryside, and cosmopolitan cities. Playing with trains is a luxury because you can’t play this game on mobiles. You need a wooden toy train that runs on real tracks. A toy train set is an engaging group play.

 

How toy trains help:

 

·       Learn to plan departure and arrival.

·       Form teams and assign responsibilities.

·       Develop an understanding of different components.

·       Improve storytelling skills

 

A train game involves laying tracks, setting a train on the tracks, and moving the train with a force. Children ensure consistent speed and ensure the safety of the train, passengers, and goods.

 

Best for: Ages 3–7 years

 

8. Wooden Tool Sets and Workbenches

 

Children have toy tools that imitate the real tools in design, features, and functionality. Children learn about tools, their uses, and precautions when playing. They become AC mechanics, automobile engineers, carpenters, plumbers, and masons to play. This roleplay helps them understand how machines work, plumbing problems, and solutions to common household problems.

 

Things children learn from toy tools:

 

·       Learn to match tools with tasks.

·       Take necessary precautions with tools.

·       Build confidence and independence.

·       Strengthen fine motor skills.

 

Children see tools around their homes. They see parents working with tools. Toy tools help them understand the functions of tools. They also learn to maintain a safe distance from machines and tools to ensure safety.

 

 

Best for: Ages 3–6 years

 

9. Wooden Balance Boards and Manipulatives

 

Only a healthy body can have a healthy mind. For this reason, children should play with balance boards. It is an indoor game that teaches how to develop balance and stand erect. It strengthens pelvic muscles, spine, and neck. Similarly, manipulatives teach to hold objects in balance or balance the posture with objects.

 

Necessity of balance boards:

 

·       Improve balance and strengthen core.

·       Enhance focus and awareness.

·       Strengthen sensory development

·       Develop an understanding of surroundings.

 

Wooden boards and manipulatives are purely offline games. They are necessary because they help children learn to maintain balance, especially when walking on uneven surfaces or handling sensitive goods.

 

Best for: Ages 3 years and up

 

10. Wooden Montessori Activity Boards (Busy Boards)

 

It is an engaging learning tool, featuring components like locks, zippers, gears, latches, and switches. The objective of a working board is to let a child identify common household tools and their uses in everyday life. This game helps them stay safe from fast-moving machines and tools. It also gives answers to many questions children have about tools.

 

How this game helps:

 

·       Understand common situations

·       Develop problem-solving skills

·       Encourage creative thinking

·       Enhance fine motor strength

 

Busy boards are designed to mimic everyday tasks, such as locking doors and applying gears. These games are more engaging than mobile apps. Children can also learn from apps, but wooden boards are the best teachers

 

Best for: Ages 2–5 years

 

Conclusion

 

Screens have become indispensable in modern life, but you can’t allow them to dominate your child’s mind. Unaware of the drawbacks, children keep playing digital games day and night. It is for parents to protect their children from the harmful effects of digital games. The answer to this tricky problem lies in returning to the basics. Wooden toys can give both entertainment and education. Luckily, wooden games are available for all age groups. They are more satisfying and beneficial for kids.