A recent study from Nanjing Forestry University has revealed that specially designed literacy toys can significantly enhance children’s learning efficiency and engagement, outperforming digital literacy apps. The research also highlights how these toys strengthen emotional connections between parents and children, offering a dual benefit for early education.
Early literacy education is critical for long-term academic success. The study underscores that children who begin learning to read and write during preschool years tend to perform better across all subjects as they advance in school. This formative period lays the foundation for future learning, making effective educational tools essential.
To identify what makes literacy toys effective, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with parents about their children’s literacy experiences. From these conversations, they identified 15 key requirements for designing impactful literacy toys. Using the KANO model—a method that categorizes user preferences—the team prioritized 13 of these requirements based on their potential to engage young learners. They then applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to each requirement, ensuring the most critical factors guided the toy design process.
“Toys play a very important role in children’s physiological and psychological development,” the research team emphasized. This perspective positions toys not just as playthings but as vital tools for learning and emotional bonding.
To test the effectiveness of the newly designed literacy toys, researchers conducted controlled experiments comparing them to digital literacy apps. The results were striking: children using the interactive toys showed higher literacy efficiency scores and greater levels of engagement and interest. The study found that children were more likely to actively participate in learning activities when using tactile, hands-on toys compared to digital apps.
The research also uncovered a strong alignment between parents’ expectations and children’s learning preferences. For instance, parents valued toys that combined educational reinforcement with fun, which resonated with children’s natural curiosity and love for interactive play.
“Parent-child interactive literacy toys can significantly improve literacy efficiency and learning interest,” the researchers concluded. These toys not only enhance educational outcomes but also foster stronger family bonds by encouraging meaningful interactions between parents and children.
In summary, the study offers valuable insights for toy designers and educators, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging, interactive tools that balance fun and learning. By prioritizing both educational and emotional benefits, these toys can help children thrive academically and socially. Future research is expected to focus on refining these tools and exploring their long-term impact on literacy development.
