History, Multicultural, & Special Needs: Electronic Resources

This is a collection of electronic resources (websites, software, etc.) about the history of toys, toys from around the world, and toys for children with special needs. A separate collection of Print Resources is also available.

Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public

History of Toys

Betcha Didn’t Know. Provided by: Toy Industry Association. (E, I, HS, G)
Behind every toy, there’s a story as entertaining as the toy itself! Tales include how some toys were invented, how others got their name, and how some famous companies began.
Classic Toys. Provided by: Toy Industry Association. (G)
Lists first year of introduction and current manufacturer for classic toys still on the market.
History of Toys and Games. Provided by: The History Channel. (E, I, HS)
Discover the origins of your favorite toys and games. Learn more about the industry’s most successful inventors.
Toys at the Henry Ford Museum. Provided by: The Henry Ford Museum. (G)
The Henry Ford has over 10,000 toys and games dating from the early 1800s to the present.

Toys From Around the World

Toys For Children With Special Needs

Helping Children with Special Needs Through Toys and Play. Provided by: Letkotek. (G)
The country’s central source on toys and play for children with special needs.
National Lekotek Center: Helping Children With Special Needs Through Toys and Play. (G)
The country’s central source on toys and play for children with special needs. Resources section includes links to information (e.g. Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Toy for a Child with Special Needs). There is also an extensive list of links other organizations.
Spirits of Toys Past, Present and Future: Learning About How Toys Change to Meet Consumer Demands. Provided by: New York Times Learning Center. (I, HS)
In this lesson, students explore the evolution of toys and learn how the toy industry has adapted their products in response to advances in technology and changing customer expectations. Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson.

Copyright © 2005 American Chemical Society