The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the infant's crib. The baby coos as its tiny arms swing a rattle back and forth. In another room a pre-school youngster is busy assembling the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and upstairs a teen is conquering worlds on a computerized video game. What do all of these activities have in common? They are examples of children playing with educational toys.
It seems that a home with children is a home full of toys. Parents want children to have happy, healthy childhoods. Toys are a big part of growing up. But, with stores filled with toys and games many parents begin to question which of these toys are appropriate and which toys will help their children develop normally? These are good questions.
There is no doubt that toys are a normal part of childhood. Kids have played with toys of some kind for as long as there have been children. It is also quite true that toys play a significant role in the development of the child. The types of toys with which a child plays often have a strong influence on the child's adult interests and behavior.
Play consumes a large portion of a child's time each day. It is during this play that children learn some fundamental lessons not only about themselves, but also about other people and the world around them. It is through play they develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Play is essential to the child's development.
Educational toys are tools of play designed to develop motor skills, cognitive powers and emotions. Other toys may simply be fun. Too often, the label 'educational' is attached to toys regardless whether or not the toy was actually designed to 'teach' the child a skill or ability. Sometimes the term is used as a marketing gimmick to command a higher price.
So, how does a parent know if a toy is actually an educational toy? The answer to that question is to understand what the toy is designed to teach or accomplish.
Children learn best when learning is fun. Children learn at a very early stage to do those things that they enjoy and to avoid activities that are not enjoyable. Nearly every parent wants to believe that his or her child is special, that they are developing mentally or physically at a faster pace than other children. There is often a temptation to overburden the child with toys that are beyond the child's stage of development, or to concentrate on toys that stretch the child's skills. The truth is that there must be a balance between cognitive development toys, skills-based toys and toys that are simply 'fun' or relatively effortless to use. Pushing a child too strenuously can be just as damaging to development as not providing sufficient stimulation.
The plastic mobile dangling above the crib is an important aid in helping the infant learn to first focus its vision and then to distinguish between shapes and colors. The rattle helps the baby learn to identify and determine the source of sounds. Shaking the rattle develops coordinated movement. Both the mobile and the rattle are educational toys. The mobile is a cognitive development toy and the rattle is a skill-based toy.
Examples of other cognitive development toys include jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, flash cards, drawing sets, painting sets, modeling clay, chemistry and science lab sets, telescopes, microscopes, educational software, some computer games, some video games and children's books. These toys are labeled with the age range of the child for which they are designed. These are the toys that teach children to identify, make choices and reason. Smart parents will make sure their child or children are given toys appropriate for their age range.
Skill-based toys include building blocks, tricycles, bicycles, bats, balls, sports equipment, Legos, erector sets, Lincoln logs, stuffed animals, dolls, crayons and finger paints. These toys teach children the relationships between different sizes and shapes and how to assemble, color and paint. All of these activities are important for developing fine motor skills and increasing physical abilities.
Child safety is an important consideration in the selection of skill-based toys. Toys inappropriate for the child's age or development may create a safety hazard. For example, babies and toddlers should not have access to toys such as bow and arrow sets, BB guns, toys with sharp edges or corners, small parts or substances that may be swallowed or electrical toys.
With the array of toys available in department stores and stores such as Toys R Us, Babies R Us, parents can become overwhelmed with the choices that confront them. Here are some simple guidelines to help parents make appropriate choices for their children.
Choosing appropriate educational toys is important. These guidelines and recognition of the skill, cognitive ability or emotion the toy is designed to develop are important to the success of the toy in helping your youngster develop normally through each succeeding stage of his or her childhood.
Finally, one of the most important aspects in selecting and using educational toys is you. You are an integral part of your child's development. The toys you select should provide opportunities for you to interact with your child as he or she plays. This time you spend playing with your child is invaluable, not only in developing strong bonds between the two of you, but also in your ability to gauge your child's level of development and current interests. With these things in mind your child will be a long way down the road of a happy, healthy and normal childhood.
About the author: Royce Armstrong is a successful freelance writer with a business and banking background who believes consumers should get the best value for their money when shopping for stimulating educational toys, educational toys and educational toys.
Oswego taxi to Midway ..1. Encourage Questions.Don't answer every question, instead ask what do... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
'I felt great until I walked into the classroom -... Read More
Recently, a much-anticipated game of mini-golf with my children soon... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
It's no surprise that the self-image and self-esteem of overweight... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
As with everything, names go through cycles of change with... Read More
Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More
Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More
In 1996-97 we were contracted by VAXA International of Tampa,... Read More
There are software programs that you can purchase to keep... Read More
Time devoted the better part of an issue to it.... Read More
Voices!So many voices crying out for adherence and so many... Read More
According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation,... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More
Although it might seem pretty corny to a lot of... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
shuttle from Midway Morris ..Child tantrums are a way for children to express their... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
1. The Law of the BeastAs parents we need to... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.As thinking,... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit how... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
If you ever walk through an orphanage, it will be... Read More
Finding answers to a child's underachievement is often a difficult... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More
When a couple steps forth with a baby in tow... Read More
Child Party Planning Guideline #1)Pick the ThemeYour child is going... Read More
What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Parenting |