Making Toys That Teach, Book

Instructions and plans for heirloom toys that delight children and teach essential skills

The difference between a good toy and a great one is its ability to entertain -- and instruct -- a child at the same time.

In Making Toys that Teach, Les Neufield combines his skills as an educator and woodworker to show you which toys are most effective for early childhood education and gives you all the information you need to build the toys yourself.

There are nine fun projects -- from Pattern Blocks and Dominoes to a Puzzle Train -- that will get little ones learning without them even realizing it. Kids will learn basic motor skills, color matching, organizing by size and shape and problem solving. Step-by-step instructions and detailed photos make it easy for you build the toys.

About the author
Les Neufeld is a woodworker with a bachelor’s degree in education, and a master's in curriculum/instructional materials. For the past 16 years he has taught technical courses to secondary students, teachers, and other adults. He has also written many instructional materials and marketed them to school districts across Canada. He lives in Quesnel, British Columbia.


Softcover, 8-1/2 x 10-7/8 in., 144 pages, with color photos and drawings
Published 2003, ISBN 1-56158-606-4, # 070673