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Top School Picks!

Our top picks of educational games and jigsaws are perfect for supporting children who are starting school, or students who are going back to school. 

school picks
14 Items found
Dotty Dinosaurs GameDotty Dinosaurs Game
  • Encourages Colour Recognition
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
  • Develops Shape and Matching Skills
  • 2 Games in 1!
Help the dinosaurs to find their missing spots! This fun game features double-sided dinosaur boards with three ways to play!- on one side a shape board and on the other a colour board. Throw either the shape or colour dice and be the first to cover your dinosaur board with the correct pieces.Dotty Dinosaurs features beautiful hand drawn illustrations of different types of dinosaur, which parents can use to discuss with children. They can also discuss the different types of shapes they can see in the game, from simple shapes like circles and squares to the more complex semicircles and diamonds.Take a look at our Dinosaurs Colouring Book. Twenty-four pages of colouring and fun with stickers await any dinosaur fan.Contents:4 double-sided dinosaur boards36 shapes24 coloured dots1 shapes dice1 colour spot dice1 instruction leafletNot suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.
£12.00
Giant Alphabet Jigsaw PuzzleGiant Alphabet Jigsaw Puzzle
  • Develops Hand Eye Coordination
  • Promotes Language and Literacy Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach your child the alphabet? Look no further than this 26-piece extra-long jigsaw puzzle! With big, chunky pieces for each letter from A to Z, plus cut out letters to use with the puzzle, and a giant poster to display at home, this puzzle is the perfect tool for helping your child recognise letters and develop word building skills. But that’s not all – the included learning guide is packed with discussion points to encourage letter recognition and observation skills. This includes questions to encourage observation such as “can you find the ladybird?”, reinforce counting skills with questions such as “how many cakes does the cat have”, and questions to develop knowledge of the world such as “what are x-rays used for?”. Your child will love exploring the puzzle and discovering new letters, and you’ll love watching their knowledge grow! Teaching and learning the alphabet has never been easier or more fun!Contents:26 puzzle pieces1 poster1 learning guide Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.
£11.25
Catch and Count GameCatch and Count Game
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
  • Bestseller!
Spin the octopus spinner to see how many fish you can catch, but do take care...there's a shark out there! Spin the spinner, count the number of bubbles and collect the matching cards on your fish board. But watch out! If you turn over a shark card, it will eat all of your fish and you'll have to start again! The player with the most fish at the end of the game is the winner!The excitement of this game is in the anticipation of turning over cards...will you turn over a shark card or collect more fish?! Children will also love the fun shell spinner. Player boards and cards feature a number of friendly sea creatures, including clown fish, starfish, crabs and puffer fish, and can be used to show children the different creatures that live underwater.Continue to learn numbers with our Number Colouring & Sticker Activity Book. Trace and colour the numbers from 1-10.Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:30 bubble cards4 jar boards1 spinner1 instruction leaflet
£9.75
Alphabet Lotto GameAlphabet Lotto Game
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Promotes Language and Literacy Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
Learn the letters of the alphabet in this fun lotto game! Choose which side of the board you play on and try and be the first player to find all the cards that match the letters or pictures on your lotto board. There are 4 different ways to play: matching picture to picture, letter to picture, picture to letter or letter to letter! The different play styles develop with children's ability, from a simple picture matching lotto to more complex picture to letter matching - requiring children to think about the spelling of different words from their head.Alphabet Lotto features bold, colourful illustrations of recognisable animals and objects which children will relate to. In every version of the game, children are encouraged to sound out the letters or words as they create them, developing their skills in phonics as well as alphabet and spelling.Continue to develop a child's literacy skills with our First Words Colouring & Sticker Book. A 24-page colouring book with lots of words to trace and learn.Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:5 lotto boards30 picture cards30 letter cards1 instruction leaflet
£12.00
Match and Count Jigsaw PuzzleMatch and Count Jigsaw Puzzle
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Develops Hand Eye Coordination
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills

Make learning to count from 1 to 20 fun by matching the simple picture cards with the numbers. There's no tricking this clever puzzle, as only the correct cards will fit together! This allows your child to self correct their jigsaws.Continue to learn numbers with our Number Colouring & Sticker Activity Book. Trace and colour the numbers from 1-10.Each puzzle 8 x 15cm.Not suitable for children under 3years due to small parts. Choking hazard.

£9.75
Match and Spell GameMatch and Spell Game
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Promotes Language and Literacy Skills
  • Develops Matching and Memory Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Bestseller!
  • 2 Ways to Play
Match and Spell encourages letter recognition, teaches phonetic word building and promotes matching of pictures and words, from simple words like 'cat' to more complex four-letter words. There are two ways to play, and the game is designed for both guided and independent word building.In the first version of the game, players must match the letter cards to the letters shown on their board in the correct order to build a word. This is a simple matching game, which is a great way to introduce letter shapes and sounds. As children get more familiar with the letter sounds, they will progress to reading the words out loud. In the more challenging version of the game, players use the blank side of their boards and use the letter cards to build the word of the picture shown. These must be placed in the correct order.With friendly illustrations and simple gameplay that progresses as children learn, it's no surprise that Match and Spell is our bestselling language and literacy game! Match and Spell Next Steps is an excellent follow-on from this game for children aged 5 and over.This game has been designed to introduce children to spelling a range of first words. It is not a full alphabet game and therefore does not include all letters of the alphabet.View all of our language and literacy games for children.Not suitable for children under 3years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:12 double-sided 3 letter word boards8 double-sided 4 letter word boards68 letter cards1 instruction leaflet
£9.75
Dinosaur Number EggsDinosaur Number Eggs
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills

Welcome to the exciting world of Dinosaur Number Eggs, where dinosaurs and learning numbers equals fun!!This captivating early number game invites children to spin the spinner and match eggs to hatch adorable baby dinosaurs, enhancing their counting skills and number recognition. Players race to hatch the most dinosaurs while staying alert for the T-Rex wild card, which adds a twist by requiring them to return an egg.Dinosaur Number Eggs promotes social interaction and friendly competition while captivating the imaginations of young dinosaur enthusiasts. Dinosaur Number Eggs is more than just a game, once player shave enjoyed the game they can use the egg cards for additional activities including creating a number, matching pairs and more.Featuring vibrant illustrations and engaging gameplay, Dinosaur Number Eggs is perfect for children aged 3 and up — a must-have addition to your game collection!Contents:40 egg cards4 nest boards1 spinner1 instruction leaflet

£9.50
What's the Time, Mr Wolf GameWhat's the Time, Mr Wolf Game
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
What's The Time Mr Wolf? is a great board game which is both fun and educational as it develops analogue and digital time telling skills. Players must race their character around the board matching the times to the central clock - but watch out for the hungry wolf!There are two ways to play this educational game - one by matching analogue times and moving the clock hands, but watch out, if you land on Mr.Wolf you must feed one of the cards from your board to the 3D wolf for dinner! The second game is won by matching digital times to analogue. What's the Time Mr Wolf features cute woodland animals which children will love, including bunnies and hedgehogs.Contents:1 jigged forest playing board20 double sided square cards4 jigged double sided collection boards1 large clock face1 set of movable clock hands1 slot-together 3D wolf1 dice4 animal character playing pieces4 character stands1 instruction leafletNot suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.
£12.00
Number Bears GameNumber Bears Game
  • Develops Hand Eye Coordination
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills

The perfect introduction to addition and subtraction. Number Bears is a combined learning activity and game in one. Players must get their bear safely home to their cubs by turning over number cards and solving mathematical problems in this fun number bonds game. But, be careful the bear doesn't get distracted by the yummy pot of honey or you'll have to miss a turn!! Featuring competitive gameplay, fun bear characters and a broad range of simple and challenging sums, this number bonds game is suitable for players 5+ and can be played with up to 4 players.Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.

£9.75
Times Tables Heroes GameTimes Tables Heroes Game
  • Promotes Imaginative Play
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
  • Bestseller!
  • 2 Games in 1!

This fun multiplication game will help children practise their times tables from 2-12. With two games in one - Hero City board game and Multiplication Bingo - times table practise will be filled with fun! In the Hero City Board Game players move around the board by spinning the spinners and solving multiplication sums. If a player lands on a shield square they have to use their imaginations to help their superhero defeat the disaster - they'll need to defeat the evil unicorns, outwit the zombies or even escape the giant slugs! Times Tables Heroes also includes a colourful times tables checker, which can be used with or outside of the game to extend learning.When the game is finished players can turn over the board for a fast paced game of Multiplication Bingo! Using the cards and spinners from the board game, players race to be the first to get 3 in a row. This will be especially helpful for encouraging children to recall their times tables quickly.Times Tables Heroes is designed to help parents and children prepare for the multiplication tables check (MTC), which is compulsory nationwide in primary schools for children in Year 4 from June 2020.Contents:1 jigged double-sided board21 shield cards4 character playing pieces4 character stands3 spinner boards3 two-part plastic spinners1 times tables checker4 superhero reference cards1 instruction leafletNot suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.

£12.00
Buzz Words GameBuzz Words Game
  • Promotes Language and Literacy Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
This fun and fast-paced literacy game has four exciting ways to play. Race to spell in game one, grab the word in game two, pick a pair in game three, and make a match in game four. Let the fun of word recognition and literacy skills begin!Race to Spell: Looking for a fun and engaging way to improve spelling skills?Simply set the timer and see how quickly you can find the letters to spell your word; but watch out for the whirlwind tile and get ready to adapt! If it appears, quickly pass your board to the player on your left and keep searching for letters to spell the new word in front of you until the sand timer runs out. If you find all the letters to spell your word before the time runs out, shout “Buzz Word” and quickly brush the picture disc and letters on your board to one side ready for your next word! It’s a fun and fast-paced game that will keep everyone on their toes! Grab the Word: To win the card, simply be the first to spot the matching word, then shout “Buzz Word” as you place your hand on it! The player with the most pairs of words and matching pictures at the end of the game wins! So, keep your eyes peeled and your reflexes sharp to come out on top! Pick a Pair: To start the game, separate the picture discs and word cards. As you turn over the cards, shout “Buzz Word” if you find a match! Move the pair in front of you to keep track. The player with the most pairs at the end wins. Enjoy the game! Make a Match: To play the game, cover the circles with picture discs, picture side up. Flip a word card and shout “Buzz Word” if it matches your picture. Place the word on top of the matching disc. The winner is the first to coverall their picture cards with matching words and shout “Buzz Word”! Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.
£9.50
Bus Stop Board Game | Orchard ToysBus Stop Board Game | Orchard Toys
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
  • Bestseller!
Race to the bus station, picking up and dropping off passengers as you go! Throw the dice to move your bus around the board, either landing on a plus or minus square. Players spin the spinner to determine the number of passengers to count on or off their bus. The winner is the player with the most passengers when their bus finally arrives at the bus station!Bus Stop is an Orchard Toys classic and has been a top 10 favourite for many years. Children will develop their adding and subtracting skills and have fun talking about the interesting characters and places the bus stops along the way!Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:1 jigged playing board4 bus boards4 bus counters4 stands40 passenger cards1 dice1 spinner board1 two-part spinner arrow1 instruction leafletNot suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Choking hazard.
£12.00
Pop to the Shops Board GamePop to the Shops Board Game
  • Encourages Discussion
  • Promotes Imaginative Play
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
Race and count your 3D character from shop to shop, using play money to buy lots of different items! The winner is the first person to collect 6 items on their board. This fun board game offers older Orchard Toys fans longer and more varied gameplay than some of our traditional matching games.Children will learn about handling money and giving change as well as developing their imagination as they take on the roles of shop keeper and banker, playing with realistic pretend money. They will also be taught about good manners, as they must say 'please' and 'thank you' to the shopkeeper every time they buy an item!Not suitable for children under 3years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:1 jigged game board48 item cards4 shopping bag boards4 characters4 character standsPlay money1 dice1 instruction leaflet
£12.00
Magic Maths GameMagic Maths Game
  • Develops Number and Counting Skills
  • Encourages Observational Skills
  • Develops Personal and Social Skills
  • Bestseller!
Magic Maths is an exciting and spellbinding maths game for children aged 5-7. Players take turns to solve the sums and fill their boards with yucky spell ingredients, from worm-infested cupcakes to brains and bogies! Once players have worked out the answer to the sum, the magic begins...by turning over their card and rubbing the heat sensitive patches to reveal if their answer is correct.The game has been designed specifically for KS1 maths in collaboration with teachers and educational professionals. Therefore, it incorporates a broad range of sums including addition, subtraction and multiplication to offer a challenging game.Featuring competitive gameplay, fun wizard characters and a broad range of simple and challenging sums, this spellbinding game is bound to be a favourite amongst conscientious parents and budding wizards!Not suitable for children under 3years due to small parts. Choking hazard.Contents:4 wizard boards30 spell ingredient cards30 magic sum cards1 instruction leaflet
£14.00
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