The Toy Association released its long-awaited STEAM Toy Assessment Framework this month.
Designed to aid toymakers in creating toys that truly fall into the STEAM category, the new framework provides a three-step model and a clearly defined rating criteria with learning goals for five distinct age groups. The Association developed its report in collaboration with Dr. Amanda Gummer.
“The new framework builds on The Toy Association’s multi-year initiative to provide a singular, consistent definition of the STEAM category that will ultimately result in better product development and marketing efforts to advance kids’ love of STEAM,” says Anna Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy Association. “Collaborating with Dr. Gummer and her team, we have been able to develop this essential resource for companies to help them to ensure their products have all the necessary qualities that define a good STEAM toy.”
The framework includes a worksheet that companies can use to assess the STEAM characteristics of their toys and games.
- Is the toy fun to play with, accessible, inclusive, and does it have good play value?
- Does the toy have all six key attributes (active involvement, real-world relevance, logical thinking, arts, free exploration, and supports step-by-step learning) that should underlie a STEAM toy?
- Does the toy support one or more learning goals in at least two key subjects, such as science and technology?
On Feb. 4, The Toy Association will host a webinar with tips on how to best use the STEAM Toy Assessment Framework.