Child Development Toys …
Helping Your Child Develop Learning And Social Skills
Child Development Toys Article by Daniel Dwase...
Parents interested in encouraging the positive development of their child’s cognitive, physical, or social
skills can make sure their child has access to development toys that not only provides a child with
entertainment but also encourages their healthy development.
Toys play an important role in a child’s learning process. When children play with toys they not only
interact with one another and develop social skills, they also make choices, solve problems and apply
some control over their environment.
Toys that encourage cognitive development include puzzles
and memory games.
Matching games,
sequencing games and
number games are excellent toys that encourage a child to develop number sense and numeration
as well as their sequencing skills.
Toys that encourage scientific thought include water and sand play toys that involve measuring, sifting
and pouring of different sensory material.
Toys that encourage large muscle development include bicycles,
climbers, slides,
large balls and planks.
Toys that encourage small muscle development... which is important in developing those small muscles in the
hands that enable a child to hold writing tools... include puzzles,
small blocks, connecting toys, and even
markers and crayons.
Dramatic play toys such as dolls, doll furniture, doll clothing, dress up clothing and kitchenware are
excellent toys that encourage a high level of imaginary play.
Keep in mind, when choosing toys, to choose open-ended toys, such as play dough,
blocks and paint.
The play opportunities with these open-ended toys are limited only to a child’s imagination.
It is also important to match the toys with your child’s developmental age... which might be higher or
lower than his physical age.
Take into account your child’s skill and growth level when choosing toys, because a toy that is too
difficult will cause frustration...
...For example; a child development toy requiring your child to string beads is terrific if the child
has developed some eye-hand coordination. But if he has no eye-hand coordination this toy will only
aggravate, discourage and disappoint him.
A child development toy that is developmentally appropriate can help build a child’s self –esteem and
allow the child to build a positive self concept. The first time your child rides her bike without
any assistance from you she will feel a sense of control and an “I can do it!” attitude.
You will want to keep safety in mind when choosing toys. If the toy is for a young child, make sure
there are no removable parts which a child could swallow, choke on, or stick in their ears.
Make sure the toy is easy to clean, so that you can cut down on germs, and also make sure the toys do
not have any sharp or jagged edge.
Get in the habit of checking your child’s toys regularly to ensure that there are no broken pieces,
and be especially careful of electrical toys, because poor wiring may cause damage.
Selecting high quality child development toys can allow your child the best opportunities to develop
their learning and their social skills.
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