Red Hot Trends: Bilingual Toys

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 May 2007 06:22 PM

Did you stand in line to purchase T.M.X. Elmo? What about Bilingual Elmo? Yeah, I didn't see many of the Spanish/English speaking red guys flying off the shelves either. But, if you believe toy analysts you may want to pick one up soon.

According to toy experts, bilingual toys are what all the cool toddlers are playing with these days and the trend is predicted to explode in the coming months. If you are interested in getting your kids to learn a second language toy manufacturers say your job could be easier provided you have the right toys.

Oddly enough, two days ago I was a mouse click away from choosing Bilingual Elmo for my young daughter from the Pampers Gifts To Grow rewards program. I need to pick a toy before my points expire and narrowed it down to the Bilingual Elmo doll and some LEGOs. The Elmo sings the popular "Sunny Day" song in English and Spanish. If you squeeze his right hand he sings the song in English, squeeze his left hand and he sings it in Spanish. Squeeze his tummy and he'll teach your child five Spanish words. It sounded fine, but I never got around to completing the order.

Now I wonder if I shouldn't go back and order it--pronto.

If I believe toy experts I should. According to the Toy Industry of America, bilingual toys are one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry. Analysts say the toys have become increasingly popular because we live in a global society and because "parents today see the benefits of having their child speak a second language."

I agree that bilingual toys are a good way to introduce your child to another language, but you can't expect your child to become fluent in a foreign language by just giving them a bilingual doll. I suspect most parents know as much. As it stands my daughter has learned just as many Spanish words from watching Sesame Street and Dora as she has Japanese words from her bilingual grandmother. Which just goes to prove that either she is watching too much Dora or we are not reinforcing her Japanese lessons as much as we should be.

Do your children play with bilingual toys?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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