“Dr. Toy” Speaks

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Monday, 25 April 2011 18:25

Middlebury, Vermont, April 2011— Maple Landmark Woodcraft’s Standard Chinese Checkers and the Montgomery Schoolhouse Rattles were recently selected among hundreds of entries as this year's Best Classic Toys by “Dr. Toy” a.k.a. Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. “A classic toy is simple to enjoy, has a lot of play value, and its desirability has been proven over many years. There are other attributes that give a classic toy its value, such as durability, consistency, and creativity,” stated Dr. Toy. www.maplelandmark.com The traditional Chinese checker board was selected based on its education component. Through board game play like Chinese checkers, children learn how to take turns, think ahead, plan strategy and follow the rules. By practicing these components, children gain basic skills that can be transferred on to more complex problems or situations as the child grows. The Chinese Checker board measures 11 ½” in diameter and is crafted from cherry. The board is finished with a clear lacquer for long-lasting durability. The playing instructions are engraved on the back and a cotton pouch is included for marble storage when the board is not in use. Montgomery Schoolhouse heirloom wooden rattles, also by Maple Landmark Woodcraft, were chosen not only because all babies need a rattle to play with but because the designs are timeless. Bells, beads and disks allow the baby’s fingers to explore, move and grasp the rattle. The creation of sound is also a learning process – the understanding that an action (movement) causes a reaction (sound) is just the beginning of understanding their world. The Montgomery Schoolhouse rattles come in 2 different sizes: the mini rattles are about 3 ½” long and the standard rattles are about 5 ¾” in length. All rattles are decorated with non-toxic colors, with the natural rattles finished with a plant-based naturoil. Maple Landmark, founded by Mike Rainville, has been making award-winning toys, gifts and games, in Vermont, since 1979. Maple Landmark utilizes local raw materials and finishes and sources parts regionally to create classic, heirloom products. To learn more about Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys of 2011, visit her website at www.drtoy.com. For information on all Maple Landmark’s wood products, check out www.maplelandmark.com. SOURCE: Maple Landmark < Prev   Next >