Inspiration & Resources

The weather is warming up and there is no better time to get outside to shake up the learning experience. It is as simple as moving typical indoor activities outside--LEGO building on the patio--or...

The Simplicity of Play

Younger children learn best through play! It’s easy to forget that although it may seem simplistic and unchallenging, the benefits received are unbelievable. Play relieves stress, improves brain fu...

Back to School: Sensory Play Table Refresh

Back to school is upon us and this year it may be more exciting than ever for all of us! We love seeing you--whether in the classroom or at home--refreshing your learning centers and ideas for the ...

Donuts, flowers and airports? Watch this Dramatic Play Makeover!

Back to school season is upon us, and this year it is more special than ever! Many children are heading back to school in-person for the first time in over a year, or entering a classroom that fina...

Open-Ended Opportunities

The new school year is kicking off in many areas around the country. Whether you are heading back to the classroom this Fall or continuing to learn at home, we love seeing all the enthusiasm and ne...

Transitioning to a New Normal: Monitoring Children's Mental Wellbeing

With so many children returning to the classroom this Fall, our team feels it's important to highlight the emotions children may experience as we transition to this new normal. Schools and child ca...

Little Changes for a Big Impact: A look at Constructive Playthings Sustainability Initiatives

Constructive Playthings and the US Toy family of brands have offered teachers a wide selection of educational toys and classroom resources since 1953. We have always strived to offer you, our cust...

2021 Our Top Holiday Gift Picks!

The holiday shopping season is in full swing. Have you started your shopping? Our team pulled together our top picks from the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide to help you navigate the endless gift possibil...

Ignite the Imagination with Manipulatives

Manipulatives come in so many different shapes and sizes and offer up a fantastic range of learning opportunities for early childhood development. Maria Cantillana shares her experience with one of...

Bringing Active Play Inside!

In a school setting there comes a time of the year where weather gets colder, equipment is wet or air quality isn’t safe for children. That’s when we bring the fun indoors! I am always looking for...

Implementing a STEAM foundation in Early Childhood Curriculum

Constructive Playthings believes that the cornerstone of early childhood education starts with STEAM. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are the building blocks your students need i...

An Invitation to Create and Explore: Presentation Makes All the Difference

Have you ever looked at materials and thought, "I wish my kids would engage with that but they just don’t!"? You are not alone in that! There are so many amazing materials that can encourage learn...

Little Leaders: Igniting Your Children's Social-Emotional Development

It’s often easy to think about our children learning their basics—to read, to write, to talk–but what about how to become a balanced and emotionally-grounded person? As you probably know, social a...

Fine-tuning those fine-motor skills

Fine-motor skill development is always on the radar within any early childhood education setting. What’s great about this skill set is that most everyday tasks are fantastic ways for children to pr...

Early Childhood Play in Motion

Little minds are constantly gathering information as they play, and one of the best ways to learn is through play in motion! We easily think of activities that involve physical movement – from jump...

Get Outside and Play in Early Childhood

Do you remember your parents kicking you outside during the summer to go run around the neighborhood? You’d come home at the end of the day sunkissed, a little bit sticky, and maybe even covered i...

Constructive Playthings Customer Favorites: Legacy Items

It’s funny how classics stand the test of time . . . from movies, and books, and yes, even educational resources! Almost 70 years ago, Constructive Playthings was founded on creating unique, educat...

Back to School in an Early Childhood Center

Back to school season is in full swing and we are excited to see what you all have planned for the new school year! The creativity and enthusiasm we witness from our educational leaders is overwhel...

A Whole New Day in Dramatic Play!

Often when we think of dramatic play in a classroom setting, dress-up centers and play kitchens quickly come to mind. But there are so many opportunities to work dramatic play into your learning en...

Developing Early Childhood Literacy Skills

Research shows that developing strong early childhood literacy skills actually impact a child’s ability to succeed academically, graduate on time, and even enhance overall productivity as an adult....

Building Confidence in Young Children through Active Play

As educators and parents, we understand how important self confidence is in a child’s development. We strive to have a healthy self esteem ourselves to overcome challenges, accomplish our goals, an...