1. Blocks. A good set of wooden, unit-based blocks can be expensive, but they’re oh-s0-worth it! A set of blocks will inspire your sons’ imaginations for years. They also lay a firm foundation for the study of math and geometry.
2. Tools. Every boy should have access to a hammer, nails, scrap wood and tape measure. Also useful: screwdrivers, screws, wrenches, sandpaper and safety goggles. Working with tools is a great way for young boys to develop fine motor skills (try handing your preschooler a large bolt and some nuts). It’s also another way to bring math into the real world.
3. Play-dough. Whether you make your own or buy it in a can, play-dough provides infinite hours of educational fun. Your boys can experiment with color mixing or create various shapes to see if they’ll float in water (both science!). They can practice writing in play-dough or craft letters (language arts). They can create sculptures (art). Working with play-dough is a great way to strengthen the small muscles of the hands too and therefore improving fine motor skills.
4. Maps and globes. Want your boys to learn with almost minimal input from you? Hang a map in your bathroom. Or just place a globe in the living room, kids WANT to ask questions and WANT to learn!
5. Cardboard boxes. In the hands of a young boy, a cardboard box can become anything.
6. Playing cards. Want your son to learn his numbers or the value of numbers, break out a deck of cards and stick to the tradition of playing the classic card game, War. A simple deck of playing cards can be used to reinforce basic math skills as well. When the boys get older, War can get harder. Play two cards; whichever player’s cards added up to a higher number won the hand. Card games also teach critical thinking, memory and basic statistics. Some boys love to build with them too.
7. Dirt. Give boys a plot of dirt and the freedom to play and explore, and watch your budding scientist or earth-mover get to work. And they’ll create all sorts of ponds and streams and dams — real-life, real-world experiments.
8. A library card. Get your son a library card as soon as possible, and let him check out books of his liking. Don’t set too many restrictions, either. Some kids are ready to check out books from the adult section. Your sons can also access all kinds of music, DVDs and ebooks at the local library.
9. A computer. It is possible to educate your son without a computer. However, I’d argue that you’re doing him a great disservice. Computers are here to stay, and odds are good that your son will need to interact with a computer almost every day as an adult. Computers, like library cards, are also a window to the world. (Do I have to convince you? You’re reading a blog, online).
10. A loving, caring adult. This is THE single most important item on the list. With a loving, caring adult nearby, a boy can learn anything. Listen to your son. He’ll tell (and show you) what he needs. Pay attention to his interests, and do your best to nourish them. If you know nothing about his chosen area of interest, hook him up with other people who do. Learn with him. Love him! A boy who is loved and supported is able to learn and explore.
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