Scientific research, suggests that teaching studies show that critical thinking skills may make kids smarter, more independent and more creative. The conclusion was that " kids given critical thinking lessons made substantial and statistically significant improvements in language comprehension, inventive thinking, and even IQ" (Herrnstein et al 1986). There are some puzzle toys and games that are able to teach these skills through play. I recommend the following toys Pirates Hide and Seek (problem solving for 5 yr olds), Winomino puzzle game (spatial reasoning skills for 3 yr olds) and Camelot Junior (problem solving for 4 yr olds).

These toys mean that you can start children early and use play to motivate avoiding formal teaching. This ensure that children pick problem soving skills naturally through play and the benefits are long lasting.