Goddard students test holiday toys

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Posted: 10/03/2012

By: Dave Marlo

ANDERSON TWP, Ohio - The preschoolers at the Goddard School in Anderson Township played the role of Santa's helpers Tuesday.

They tried out 21 new toys as part of the nationwide fifth annual Goddard School Toy Test. Nationally The Goddard School chooses 20 of it's 380 schools to test out 21 "true toys" that encourage playful learning and imaginative play.

Goddard School owner Mark Reinhart says, "The kids are playing with them for about two hours today, tomorrow, and Friday. Teachers are engaging with the children, monitoring behavior and encouraging feedback to figure which ones they like the best."

On Friday Reinhart will submit the top 10 toys to the national Goddard School franchise along with 20 other schools. The results will then be posted on their Facebook page.

Reinhart says the kids have been excited all week. "They were looking forward to playing with them today. It feels like Christmas all over again."

Some of the toys included neon blocks, a clay like toy called Bubber, and City Scapes, a city of building blocks.

The children enjoyed the toys, screaming and laughing the entire two hours. Preschool lead-teacher Wendy Doran likes what she is seeing.

"When they are interested, it makes our job that much easier. They are in there having fun. Learning through play," she said.

Doran adds that it's not all about fun. The children are learning many skills. She said the Bubber seemed to be a favorite.

"The Bubber is great for sensory skills, how to form and use fine motor skills to play with those and just their imagination and creativity."

Reinhart adds that the kids aren't the only ones interested in the toys, "I think parents are interested to know what is in the top ten and maybe grab some of those for holiday shopping."

Reinhart says that the kids won't be the only ones who benefit from the toy test.

"Once the results are on our website, we will invite parents from across the country to vote on the top toy. Then Goddard will donate 100 of those toys to Toys For Tots."