“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” There’s a reason this little proverb is so widely known. Along with structured learning exercises and games, children need unstructured free-play in order for their young brains to develop.

These days, however, adults and teachers alike are placing more and more importance on the academic side of development. Kids as young as three or four are often expected to follow rigid schedules packed with every activity from organized sports to flash cards and math dots.

Many toy manufacturers are also getting in on the educational craze and there are now countless toys and games to teach kids specific academic skills.
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