45+
Toys Tested
5-6
Years Old
📚
School Start
6
Categories

Development Milestones

Starting school opens new worlds

1

Reading & Writing

Most children are learning to read and write now. Letters gain meaning and first words are decoded. Writing motor skills improve rapidly.

2

Maths & Logic

Number understanding grows rapidly. Addition, subtraction and simple sums are learned. Logical thinking and pattern recognition develop.

3

Concentration & Focus

Attention span grows to 20-30 minutes. Children can handle longer projects and learn to persevere through challenges.

4

Social Skills

Friendships become more important. Group play, following rules and cooperating in class develop social competencies.

Key Development Areas

Targeted toys for school success

📖

Reading & Language

Beginning readers discover the magic of words. Toys that make letters and reading playful support school success.

Recommended toys:
  • Zingo Sight Words Game
  • Letter blocks and magnetic letters
  • First reading books
  • Word games
🔢

Maths & Numbers

Maths becomes concrete with manipulatives. Counting, sorting and simple sums come alive with the right toys.

Recommended toys:
  • Osmo Genius Starter Kit
  • Counting blocks and balances
  • Board games with counting
  • Dominoes
🔬

STEM & Science

Curiosity about how things work grows. Building sets and experiment kits feed the scientist in every child.

Recommended toys:
  • K'NEX Imagine Building Set
  • Simple experiment kits
  • Magnet sets
  • Building blocks with gears
🎨

Creativity & Art

Artistic expression blossoms. Children draw more detailed work and experiment with different materials and techniques.

Recommended toys:
  • Play-Doh large sets
  • Craft kits with instructions
  • Watercolours and canvas
  • Origami sets

Sports & Movement

Coordination and motor skills refine. Children begin organised sports and games with rules.

Recommended toys:
  • Children's bicycle with pedals
  • Skipping rope and hula hoop
  • Football and basketball sets
  • Outdoor games
🎲

Board Games & Social

Board games teach winning and losing, following rules and strategic thinking. Perfect for family evenings and playdates.

Recommended toys:
  • Classic board games
  • Card games
  • Memory and matching games
  • Cooperative games

Our Top Recommendations

Perfect for beginning readers and mathematicians

Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad
Editor's Choice
Osmo

Osmo Genius Starter Kit for iPad

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Revolutionary educational system that combines physical play with digital learning. Five games for language, maths, drawing and problem-solving.

5-10 years
Read Review
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box
Best Seller
LEGO

LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

484 classic LEGO bricks in 35 colours. Endless building possibilities stimulate creativity, spatial awareness and fine motor skills.

4+ years
Read Review
Zingo Sight Words Game
New
ThinkFun

Zingo Sight Words Game

★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Bingo-style game that develops reading skills. Teaches recognition of common words. Perfect for beginning readers.

5+ years
Read Review
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack
Play-Doh

Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack

★★★★☆ (4.7/5)

Mega-pack with 36 colours of modelling clay. Stimulates creativity and fine motor skills. Non-toxic and safe.

3+ years
Read Review
K'NEX Imagine Building Set
K'NEX

K'NEX Imagine Building Set

★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Construction system with rods and connectors. Build working models and learn about mechanics. STEM learning by doing.

5+ years
Read Review
Qwirkle Game
MindWare

Qwirkle Game

★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Award-winning strategy game with wooden blocks. Combines colours and shapes. Develops tactical thinking and pattern recognition.

6+ years
Read Review

Tips for Parents of School Children

Support learning without pressure

1

Learning should stay fun

Choose educational toys that don't feel like homework. Learning through play is more effective than forced practice.

2

Balance work and play

After a school day, your child needs free play to relax. Not all playtime needs to be "educational".

3

Playdates are important

Social development is just as important as academic. Board games and group play build friendships and social skills.

4

Encourage reading before bed

A regular bedtime reading ritual builds a love of reading. Let children also "read" themselves – even if they're just looking at the pictures.

5

Celebrate small successes

Every newly learned word or solved sum is an achievement. Positive feedback builds confidence and motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about 5-6 year olds

View Other Age Groups

Discover toys for every developmental stage.