The Goddard School celebrated 30 years in early childhood education this year. The Bellevue branch, along with 49 other Goddard schools, recently participated in their annual preschooler-approved toy test.

During the week of Sept. 24-28, children from infants to six years old played with interactive toys from participating notable toy brands such as V-Tech, Leap Frog, Manhattan Toy Company and Popular Playthings.

Co-owner of Goddard School Olivia Teja said the goal of the toy test is to educate the children with toys.

“The teachers work with the children to see their interaction. We want to build their creativity [as they] learn through fun experiences,” Teja said. “It helps with their critical thinking, problem solving and communication.”

Teja said the point of the toy test is to build children’s creativity. The toys are fun but they are meant to increase learning.

“They like to build. I think [these] are good toy[s] because it gives the children the opportunity to talk and ask questions. It helps with speech communication and creativity,” preschool teacher Etleva Ciko said.

Bellevue received a total of 50 toys. The toys were dispersed according to age group. Each class tested toys for a week and cast their votes at the end of the week to determine the top 10 preschooler-approved toys. A top 10 list is compiled by Nov. 1 and handed to families. The school also donates some of those toys to local charities.

The point of the toy test is to build children’s creativity. The toys are fun but are meant to increase their learning. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.

Children from infants to six years old toy test with interactive toys. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.