Favorite Farm-Themed Toys for Toddler Learning Through Play: Perfect for Tot School
We just finished a week of learning about farms at Little Village Play Tot School. We love incorporating hands-on, farm-themed toys into our Tot School program because they encourage toddler learning through play. These toys help develop fine motor skills, spark creativity, and support early math and language development—all through engaging, open-ended play. Here are our top picks for Farm Week that you can easily incorporate into any play-based learning environment.
1. Sensory Bin with Shredded Paper, Play Barn, and Animals
Sensory bins are a staple in our Tot School, offering toddlers a rich opportunity for sensory exploration. For Farm Week, we fill our bin with shredded paper to mimic grass and add a play barn and various farm animals. This type of play supports toddler learning through play by engaging their senses, enhancing vocabulary as they name animals, and encouraging imaginative storytelling as they create their own farm scenarios. Sensory bins are also perfect for quiet time and fine motor development.
2. Melissa & Doug GO Tots Farm Set
The Melissa & Doug GO Tots Farm Set is a must-have for toddler learning through play. This durable wooden set includes a barn, animals, and tractors, with chunky, easy-to-grasp pieces perfect for little hands. The spinning action of the GO Tots encourages cause-and-effect learning, helping toddlers understand movement and coordination. It’s great for Tot School because it supports early problem-solving skills, creativity, and motor skill development while engaging in imaginative farm-themed play.
3. Learning Resources Peek-a-Boo Barns
For a mix of educational and playful fun, the Learning Resources Number Barns are an excellent choice. This set promotes early math skills by encouraging toddlers to match animals to their numbered barns, helping them learn counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence—all while having fun!
4. Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Tabletop Farm Set
Another favorite for Farm Week is the Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Tabletop Farm Set. This beautifully designed set includes a barn, animals, and a farmer, allowing toddlers to build their own miniature farm. In our Tot School, we love how this toy encourages open-ended, imaginative play, while helping toddlers develop fine motor skills and cooperative play as they share and build farm scenes together. It’s the perfect way to introduce toddlers to creative problem-solving and storytelling, key aspects of learning through play.
These farm-themed toys are perfect for any toddler learning environment, whether you're setting up your own Tot School or just want to provide fun, educational play at home. By using toys like these, you can create engaging opportunities for toddlers to learn through play while supporting their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development. Happy Farm Week!
