Inspiration & Resources

2021: A Fresh Outlook

Although 2020 was difficult in many ways, it’s refreshing to see positive revelations come from it. One thing is for sure: we depend on each other to get through life’s toughest moments. Throughout...

Sensing Simple Play Opportunities

Through all stages of early childhood development, children naturally use their five senses to discover the world around them and it is our job to give them plenty of space and opportunities to do ...

An Early Literacy Superpower: Phonological Awareness

We’ve been celebrating early literacy all month long! The best part is seeing all the creative resources and ideas you use with your kids at home and in the classroom to develop these important ear...

Creating Magic through STEAM

This month we have been celebrating STEM and STEAM Education. What’s the difference? STEAM is simply an approach to learning that not only incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathema...

Spring Metamorphosis

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...