Best Early Childhood Education Materials of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Early Childhood Education Materials are designed to enhance the learning experience of young children. These materials include a variety of tools such as books, puzzles, toys, and games that help children develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The materials are specifically designed to cater to the needs of children between the ages of 2-6 years old, providing them with the necessary skills to prepare them for school and beyond. These materials are not only fun and engaging but also play an essential role in the development of a child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set - 100 Cubes Cover #TOP 1
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set - 100 Cubes
ftb score rating icon 9.9
hand2mind Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set Cover #TOP 2
hand2mind Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6: 100 Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently! Cover #TOP 3
Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6: 100 Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently!
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Early Childhood Education Materials

#TOP 1

Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set - 100 Cubes

LER4285
Multicolor
3/4in
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set - 100 Cubes Cover
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes - Set of 100 Cubes, Ages 5+ Kindergarten, STEM Activities, Math Manipulatives, Homeschool Supplies, Teacher Supplies

The Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Set of 100 Cubes is a great tool to promote school readiness for kids aged 5 and above. It supports math skills, color and shape identification, patterning, motor skills, and eye-hand coordination. The cubes easily snap together on all sides, making it ideal for Montessori materials math and complex patterning activities. It is also a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, and homeschooling activities, and makes for great Easter basket stuffers for toddlers.

What We Like
Promotes school readiness for kids aged 5 and above
Supports math skills, color and shape identification, patterning, motor skills, and eye-hand coordination
Cubes are easy to snap together on all sides, making it ideal for Montessori materials math and complex patterning activities
#TOP 2

hand2mind Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set

95402
Multi
hand2mind Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set Cover
hand2mind Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set, Addition and Subtraction Games, Number Puzzle, Math Games for Kids, Educational Toys, Toddler Matching Game, Preschool Learning Activities

The hand2mind Numberblocks Math Puzzle brings math learning to life by using characters from the popular Numberblocks TV show. This set is perfect for kids ages 3 to 5, helping you introduce basic addition and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The puzzles focus on adding or subtracting one, making it easier for your child to understand number relationships up to ten. With 20 self-correcting two-piece puzzles, you can provide hands-on practice that supports early math skills, allowing your child to learn through play while building confidence in addition and subtraction.

What We Like
Officially licensed Numberblocks
Designed for ages 3-5
Hands-on two-piece puzzles
Self-correcting design
Teaches addition and subtraction
#TOP 3

Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6: 100 Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently!

Scholastic
SHS0439773458
Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6: 100 Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently! Cover
Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6: 100 Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently!

The Daily Word Ladders: Grades 4-6 is an engaging and reproducible word building game that helps children enhance their reading, vocabulary, spelling, and phonics skills independently. The book contains 100 word study lessons that challenge kids to read clues on each rung, change and rearrange letters to create words until they reach the top. The author, Dr. Timothy V. Rasinski, a professor of education, has published over 100 articles and 10 books on reading education. This book is an excellent resource for elementary educators and parents who want to help their children climb to new heights in reading and writing.

#TOP 4

Learning Resources Sight Word Swat Game - 114 Pieces

LER8598
Multi-color
9 inches
Learning Resources Sight Word Swat Game - 114 Pieces Cover
Learning Resources Sight Word Swat A Sight Words Game - Phonics Flash Cards, Board Games for Kids, Montessori Spelling , Homeschool, Classroom Must Haves, Teacher Supplies, Gifts for Boys and Girls

Learning Resources Sight Word Swat Game is a fun and easy way for up to 4 players to build reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills through playful competition. The set includes 110 double-sided flies printed with the top 220 Dolch sight words, which are color-coded by level, making it ideal for elementary school kids. The game is perfect for home school or classroom learning and is a great gift for holidays, birthdays, or just because. It is also an excellent Easter basket stuffer for toddlers who love to learn.

What We Like
Easy and fun way to learn sight words
Color-coded flies by level
Builds reading, spelling and vocabulary skills

School Zone Addition & Subtraction Workbook: 64 Pages, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, Elementary Math, Sums, Differences, Place Value, Regrouping, Fact Tables, Ages 6-8 (I Know It! Book Series)

School Zone
02209
Multicolor
School Zone Addition & Subtraction Workbook: 64 Pages, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, Elementary Math, Sums, Differences, Place Value, Regrouping, Fact Tables, Ages 6-8 (I Know It! Book Series) Cover
School Zone Addition & Subtraction Workbook: 64 Pages, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, Elementary Math, Sums, Differences, Place Value, Regrouping, Fact Tables, Ages 6-8 (I Know It! Book Series)

The School Zone Addition & Subtraction Workbook is an excellent tool for children aged 6 to 8 to improve their math skills. With 64 pages, the workbook covers addition, subtraction, place value, regrouping, and fact families, among other topics. The book's step-by-step instructions and clear examples make it easy for children to work at their own pace and promote self-directed learning. The perforated pages are also convenient for individual worksheets. This workbook is perfect for introducing, reviewing, and maintaining essential math skills. Overall, it is a great resource for parents and teachers to help children improve their math abilities and build confidence in their learning.

#TOP 6

Learning Resources Easy-Grip Tweezers Set

LER2965
Multi
Medium
Learning Resources Easy-Grip Tweezers Set Cover
Learning Resources Easy-Grip Tweezers - Sensory Bin Tools, Tongs for Kids, Fine Motor Skills, Montessori Grabber Tool, Toddler Activities, School and Teacher Supplies, Daycare Essentials

The Learning Resources Easy-Grip Tweezers are designed to help children ages 2 and up develop important hand skills. By using these tweezers, you can help your child build hand strength and improve their coordination, which are key for everyday tasks. The tweezers have special grooves that fit small fingers comfortably, making it easier for toddlers to hold and use them without frustration. They are great for preschool activities like sorting, sensory play, and counting games, adding a fun, hands-on element to learning. Plus, with 12 colorful tweezers included, they’re perfect for group play and sharing.

What We Like
Enhances fine motor skills
Ergonomic finger grooves
Supports early learning activities
Includes multiple colorful tweezers
#TOP 7

SpriteGru Preschool Learning Flipbooks Set

Gru538
Pocket-sized
SpriteGru Preschool Learning Flipbooks Set Cover
4 Preschool Learning Flipbooks, 96PCS Double Sided Printed Cards Set, Alphabet Letter A-Z, Number 1-20, Feelings and Emotions, Shapes and Colors Mini Board Books Set Early Educational Tool for Kids

The SpriteGru Learning Flipbooks offer a fun and effective way to introduce young children to letters, numbers, emotions, shapes, and colors. With 96 double-sided cards across four mini board books, you can help your child build memory and cognitive skills from an early age. The books are made from sturdy, laminated cardstock with coil binding, making them durable and easy for little hands to flip through. Their compact size makes them perfect for learning on the go, whether at home, in the classroom, or while traveling. Colorful illustrations and clear words keep kids engaged and make early learning enjoyable and accessible.

What We Like
Durable laminated cardstock
Compact and portable design
Engaging colorful illustrations
Comprehensive educational topics
#TOP 8

Free Spirit Publishing Calm-Down Time Board Book

Free Spirit Publishing
9781575423166
Free Spirit Publishing Calm-Down Time Board Book Cover
Calm-Down Time (Toddler Tools® Board Books)

The Free Spirit Calm-Down Book is a helpful resource for early childhood education. This board book is designed to assist toddlers in managing their emotions, making it easier for you to teach calming techniques. Since it’s a used book in good condition, you can enjoy this quality material without paying full price. The sturdy board book format is perfect for little hands, ensuring durability and easy handling. With this book, you provide your child with a practical tool to develop emotional skills in a fun and engaging way.

What We Like
Durable board book format
Supports emotional learning
Good used condition
Early childhood education focus
#TOP 9

Learning Resources Preschool Flipbooks

LER6191
Multicolor
Learning Resources Preschool Flipbooks Cover
Learning Resources Skill Builders! Preschool Flipbook,3 Pieces, Ages 3+, Library Preschool, Learning Activities, Letters, Numbers, Counting, Toddler Activity Book

Learning Resources Flipbooks offer preschoolers a fun way to learn essential skills. With three spiral-bound flipbooks, kids can strengthen counting and number skills, explore letters and sounds, and identify emotions. These books are specially designed for kids as young as 3, helping them build essential readiness skills. You can turn these flipbooks into a library or add them to other collections. Whether it's holidays, birthdays, or just because, these educational toys make great gifts for learning fun!

What We Like
Interactive learning experience
Versatile for various skills
Age-appropriate design
#TOP 10

School Zone Connect the Dots Workbook: 32 Pages, Preschool, Kindergarten, Dot-to-Dots, Counting, Number Puzzles, Numbers 1-10, Coloring, Ages 3 to 5 (Get Ready! Book Series)

School Zone
Joan Hoffman
Barbara Gregorich
Shannon M. Mullally, Ph.D.
Robin Boyer
School Zone Publishing
Jan 1, 2015
School Zone Connect the Dots Workbook: 32 Pages, Preschool, Kindergarten, Dot-to-Dots, Counting, Number Puzzles, Numbers 1-10, Coloring, Ages 3 to 5 (Get Ready! Book Series) Cover
School Zone Connect the Dots Workbook: 32 Pages, Preschool, Kindergarten, Dot-to-Dots, Counting, Number Puzzles, Numbers 1-10, Coloring, Ages 3 to 5 (Get Ready! Book Series)

Features
076645020581
School Zone
SZPRESCH-02058
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the basic materials needed for early childhood environments?

Examples of developmentally appropriate materials for preschool-aged children include:. Wooden blocks for building.Baby dolls.Balls of various shapes and sizes.Floor puzzles with large pieces.Simple games that require no reading and few pieces (e.g., Chutes and Ladders)

2. What are the 4 themes in early childhood education?

Four themes emerge from the history of early childhood education: the ethic of social reform, the importance of childhood, transmitting values, and a sense of professionalism.

3. What are learning materials?

Learning Materials means any course materials or other academic materials developed, created, or used by faculty, students, or administration in connection with the facilitation or evaluation of student learning outcomes.

4. What types of assessments tools are used in early childhood?

A variety of assessment tools and approaches, including rating scales, checklists, norm-referenced tests, portfolios, and observations, can be used to learn more about the child's strengths and challenges.

Editor's Notes

During our early childhood education material research, we found 24 early childhood education material products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 339,228 customer reviews through our big data system to write the early childhood education materials list. We found that most customers choose early childhood education materials with an average price of $12.21.

The early childhood education materials are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of early childhood education materials, including Learning Resources, hand2mind, Scholastic, School Zone, SpriteGru. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.