"Why?"

If you've got a preschooler, you're no stranger to this question. You may even be more than a little tired of hearing it, since our naturally curious tots tend to repeat it over and over and over again, causing us to scramble for answers that are both truthful and digestible for a 4-year-old. We may long for our little ones to outgrow the "why?" stage, but we should actually celebrate it and try to sustain it as long as possible. "Why?" you ask? According to author and educator Diane Rosen, a curious child’s natural inclination to question and challenge the status quo is essential to personal, professional, and academic success in today’s rapidly changing world. Rosen suggests that the best way to teach and develop creative thinking is by making these habits of curiosity part of your child’s life every day. One easy way to do that? Choose toys that promote creativity. These five toys from Lakeshore Learningencourage creative play, role-playing, and hands-on exploration, helping your child to exercise his creative muscle and sustain his natural curiosity beyond the early elementary years, when natural curiosity and creativity begin to decline. Lakeshore Learning is dedicated to creating innovative educational materials that spark young imaginations, instill a sense of wonder, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Check out our top five picks from the company's impressive line of educational and fun products:  

Bristle Builders for Toddlers

When it comes to creative play, building blocks are a no-brainer. The Bristle Builders Master Set ($39.99) includes 110 unbreakable blocks designed specifically to ensure building success for toddlers (ages 3-6). The soft bristles interlock when pushed together and stay attached until pulled apart. The set contains blocks in lots of shapes and sizes, plus wheels that really turn. A lower-cost option is the Bristle Builders Starter Set($19.99), which includes 51 bristled blocks for creative building.  

STEM Science Station: Magnets

Kids can use magnets to push cars up a ramp, move a magnetic mouse through a maze, and more, as they learn all about magnetism and magnetic fields with the STEM Science Station: Magnetskit ($39.99; ages 4-6). The kit includes eight cards that prompt students to perform simple experiments, with all the hands-on materials to complete each one. Plus, the station features an engineering activity to extend the learning and build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.