A good phonics toy should be challenging for your child, but not frustrating, so check for any age recommendations and match your child’s skill level. We carefully considered design, entertainment value, age recommendations, toy safety, and price value when reviewing products. Here are the best phonics toys for preschoolers. The LeapFrog My Own Leaptop ranks high on our list because this education laptop is designed for young children to enjoy. Children ages 2 to 4 years old will learn about the alphabet, how to spell their name, and more on this pretend play computer. Dance along to 16 songs and watch your child learn through four different gaming modes: ABCs, Messages, Games, and Music. The laptop teaches the alphabet, sounds of letters, words, let’s children engage with Scout while also playing fun learning games to keep their mind sharp. Price at time of publication: $37 Price at time of publication: $31 Price at time of publication: $140 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $32 Price at time of publication: $63 There’s also a built-in handle, so children can transport the toy wherever they go with ease. It requires two AA batteries and comes with a USB cable to hook up to a computer for more personalization. Price at time of publication: $25 Some phonics toys also come with a camera function. Most kids will love the opportunity to take pictures just like their parents and big siblings do!
Age-Appropriateness
Before buying a phonics toy, you want to ensure it’s age-appropriate for your child. Check the manufacturer’s age recommendation before purchasing, but also consider your child’s learning level. If your child is behind on learning the alphabet or needs some extra support, consider a phonics toy that focuses on letters and their sounds. Or, if they are ready to sound out words, look for a toy that lets them do that. Overall, you want a toy that meets your child where they are, but encourages them to learn and grow.
Level of Challenge
A good phonics toy should be challenging for your child, but not frustrating. You want to encourage your child to continue learning and adding to what they already know. But if the toy’s games and activities are way too difficult for your child, they may become discouraged and lose interest in the toy.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself, and bought the LeapFrog LeapReader for a young family member. She loved how the large stylus pen taught children vocabulary words and how to sound them out. Learning to read works best when kids master each skill before applying the next, such as learning letter sounds before combining them into words, sentences, and finally whole stories. Reading is more than just memorizing words. A strong reader uses their knowledge of language to decipher new words and figure out what they might mean. Phonics is the first step of reading and comprehension. Kids who master letter sounds and their combinations are best prepared to continue to improve as readers.
More Toys for Kids
When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here:
The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids The Best Developmental Toys for Babies The Best Tummy Time Toys The Best Active Toys for Toddlers The Best Outdoor Toys for Toddlers The Best Toys for Toddlers The Best Educational Toys for Toddlers The Best Toys for Learning Letters and Numbers The Best Construction and Building Block Toys The Best Musical Toys for Children of All Ages The Best Montessori Toys to Encourage Thoughtful Play The Best Sesame Street Toys The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids of All Ages The Best Dinosaur Toys The Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development The Best Toys for Independent Play The Best Indoor Toys and Games for Active Play The Best Snow Toys for Kids The Best STEM Toys for Kids Best Laptop Toys for Kids The Best Social Emotional Learning Toys The Best Robot Toys The Best Ride-On Toys The Best Cleaning Toy Sets The Black-Owned Gift Guide
