The Goddard School Announces Top 10 Best Educational Toys For The Holidays...As Chosen By Preschoolers

    KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, November 05, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the national franchisor of The Goddard School preschool system, one of the largest early childhood education organizations in the nation, put the best educational toys to the test with their toughest critics--kids! Just in time for the holiday season, The Goddard School children chose their Top 10 favorite toys, which will now be put to a public vote on Facebook to determine the favorite Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy for 2014.

Now in its seventh year, The Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy Test complements The Goddard School's playful learning philosophy, by arranging for children from 50 schools in 45 markets across the country to test educational toys that inspire their creativity and imagination while helping them develop important educational skills.

To qualify, toy manufacturers from across the U.S. submitted products for review by The Goddard School Toy Testing Committee, which is made up of early childhood education experts. The committee judged the toys based on criteria including encouraging interactive, child-initiated play, inspiring creativity and collaboration, and supporting skill development and playful learning.

Then, 25 toys were chosen as "official finalists," and were sent to participating Goddard School preschools throughout the nation for children to test. The children, who range in age from infants to six years old, spent a week playing with the toys in order to vote for their favorites.

The Top 10 Preschooler-Approved Toy Test finalists include (in suggested age range order):
- Rock & Ball by Tiny Love (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Months)
- Green Toys Elephant-on-Wheels by Green Toys (Suggested Age Range: 6+ Months)
- Bunny Peek A Boo by Smart Toys and Games, Inc. (Suggested Age Range: 2+ Years)
- Giant Roller Ramps - Starter Set by Lakeshore Learning Materials (Suggested Age Range:
3+ Years)
- 12 Gel Crayons by Faber-Castell (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)
- Arx 2.0 by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)
- OgoDisk Mezo by OgoSport (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)
- Primary Science Color Mixing Set by Learning Resources (Suggested Age Range: 3+ Years)
- Smarty Blocks by Fat Brain Toys (Suggested Age Range: 5+ Years)
- 70 Model Building Set by K'Nex (Suggested Age Range: 7+ Years)

"Our seventh annual Preschooler-Approved Toy Test aligns with our goal of providing children with a fun way to build new skills while learning through play," says GSI's Vice President of Education, Dr. Craig Bach. "Through testing the top educational toys on the market, The Goddard School preschoolers will increase their self-confidence as well as their abilities to collaborate and problem solve."

Now the public has the chance to vote for the top toy on The Goddard School's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/goddardschool) from November 3, 2014 to November 26, 2014. The favorite Goddard School Preschooler-Approved Toy for 2014 will be determined by the Facebook votes and GSI will then purchase and donate 100 of the winning toys to Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes holiday gifts to less fortunate children in the community.

Past Preschooler-Approved Toy Test winners include brands such as K'Nex, Fat Brain Toys, Tiny Love, HABA and Learning Resources.

For more information on The Goddard School and the Preschooler-Approved Toy Test, please visit http://www.goddardschool.com/toytest .

About The Goddard School
Learning for fun. Learning for life. The Goddard School celebrates 26 years of using the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Talented teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. The Goddard School's AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX. Learning Program reaches more than 45,000 students in over 400 Goddard Schools in 35 states. The Goddard School's comprehensive play-based curriculum, developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit http://www.goddardschool.com.

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