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• robin jack

  

  • 178375 posts
   

  August 8, 2022 1:44 PM EEST

  It has become common knowledge that the toys we give our children to play with as a child can assist their learning experience. It can be argued that every single toy we provide our child helps them in some way to develop their skills and personality and is therefore 'educational'. Toy manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to harness this 'educational toy' tag in order to sell products and convince parents they are helping their children. However, there are actually certain toys which will assist child development in specific ways.

  Toys which develop Imagination

  Toys which allow children to run wild with their imagination and conjure up stories are often considered the most beneficial but are usually the most simplistic. There is no toy which is detrimental to a child's education and every toy will teach them something. However, if a child is forced to use their imagination to play with it, it develops the creative side of their brain and allows them to push boundaries they experience in everyday life. An example would be the Step2 Skyward Summit climbing frame which provides children with a template in order to create a story whilst the 'climb a mountain'. This will help them develop both their imagination and coordination skills as they play.

  Scientists have argued that although children enjoy computer games and games consoles, these are far less beneficial to cognitive development. This is because children depend on the story created by the game and have little to think and therefore do not use creative thinking.

  Toys which allow Interaction Skyward FBISD

  When people talk about interactive toys, they are often referring to new technology such as computers and games consoles. These toys do provide interaction but it is purely limited to the player and the computer. More traditional and arguably more beneficial interactive toys are the ones in which children must interact with each other usually through role play. Toy manufacturers such as Step2 have created a fantastic variety of toys which are built around the need for social interaction. These include toys such as playhouses, puppet shows and board games. All these are dependent on children playing together and interacting which also builds upon their tolerance on others. This teaches children lessons such as compromise and helps them understand other people's needs. For an only child, these toys are essential in a social environment such as nursery or play dates.