two young children smiling as festive confetti falls down around them

Social-Emotional Learning During the Holidays


Jessica Jama, child development specialist and Product Manager for hand2mind, shares tips to continue social-emotional learning throughout the holiday season.



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Looking for the Perfect Gift?

Check out our list of more than 200 playthings – all independently tested and accredited to represent the best of the best in toys that get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math!

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As Seen on TV

Check out the hottest toys of the season recently featured on TV.

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Benefits of Play

6 Benefits of Play

Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Think of it as recess and study hall all rolled into one. Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and reach critical developmental milestones.

Physical

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills, and spending their natural energy!

Emotional

During play, kids learn to cope with emotions like fear, frustration, anger and aggression.

Cognitive

Children learn to think, read, remember, reason and pay attention through play.

Creative

By allowing imaginations to run wild during play, kids create new worlds, form unique ideas, and much more!

Communication

Play lets kids exchange thoughts, information, and messages.

overhead view of parent helping child learn how to write the alphabet

Playing While Learning: Tips for Children of All Needs and Abilities

Christina Collura, an educator specializing in play-based learning, shares the value of tapping into your child’s interests and building on them to develop critical life skills.

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Expert Advice

Be in the Know

Expert Advice

Experts agree that play has a profound impact on childhood learning. Every so often, we'll have articles, useful tips, sound advice, and the latest research from leaders in the field on children and education.

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Play Talk

Experts on education, childhood, and play share the latest information and research about the importance of play, childhood development, and tips you can use.

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For Teachers

For Teachers

Find out ways to incorporate play into your school day with play-based lesson plans that align perfectly with the curriculum.


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Toy Time

Toy Time

Whether it’s a stuffed animal, action toy, puzzle, doll, or race car set, toys ignite kids’ imaginations, curiosity, critical thinking, and more.

Toy Timeline

See how toys have evolved since waaay before you were a kid!

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Age-by-Age Toy Guide

Learn how to select toys that match your child’s interests, abilities and developmental skills.

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Cool Toy Picks

Find out the types of toys geared specifically for your child’s interests and abilities.

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