A Montessori-Minded Mom’s Educational Gifts for 4 -Year – Olds

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According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, unlike the early years, four-year-olds are using language in more complex ways, recognizing mathematical patterns, and laying the foundations for greater social intelligence.

What’s Age-Appropriate When Buying Educational Gifts For 4 Year Olds?

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a detailed list of milestones like these for 4-year-olds. Stick to toys, experiences, or materials that help your child achieve one or more of these benchmarks.

Using The Montessori Method Of Childhood Education To Select Educational Gifts For 4 Year Olds

In combination with regular observation of a child at play, sensitive periods can guide parents to the kinds of toys, experiences, and activities with the greatest appeal for a particular age range. 

What Are The Sensitive Periods For A Four Year Old? 

A four-year-old’s experiences a sensitive period for movement, hands-on or sensory learning, mathematics, music, and basic reading and writing skills.

Educational Gifts for 4 Year Olds: Movement

Pediatricians recommend 4-year-olds remain active throughout the day with both adult and child-led movement. These gifts check all the boxes when it comes to fitness and fun.

 River Stones 

Help your child practice standing and balancing on one leg by creating a river rock obstacle course in your own living room or front lawn!

Musical Jump and Toss Game 

Used by child physical therapists to build muscle strength, this indoor/outdoor game invites kids to leap over spinning plastic rods.

 Portable Corn Hole  

I love this pop-up corn hole set. It’s durable and easily foldable. Perfect for an impromptu family tournament at the campground or local park!

Tree Climbing Kit  

In this kit, colorful footholds are ratcheted tightly to a tree creating the ideal surface for climbing.  Adjust the height over time as your little one becomes more adept. You can even add in a slackline for the ultimate obstacle course.  

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Indoor Scavenger Hunts for Young Kids 

(Printable cards that can be rearranged to create tons of different hunts, divided by ages from 2-7 years old)