|
Toys
From the Rattle to the Gameboy
From early infancy play is the primary way that children experience, explore and make sense of the world around them. Through play they develop and learn many things including; following directions, motor skills, turn taking, problem solving, language, eye-hand coordination, and social skills. There are many different kinds of play including active, constructive, manipulative, imaginative, imitative, social to name a few.
A child's playing extends through many stages - from the early "mouthing", smelling, banging & squeezing of toys, through the investigation and exploration stages when cupboards, drawers, containers of various kinds are opened, banged and crawled over. Right through to the destructive, creative, adventurous and imaginative stages. These stages are repeated many times through adolescent "hobbies" into the wide variety of leisure-time pursuits of adulthood. Each of us has a deep desire to "play" whatever our age!
Toys in all their different shapes sizes and colours are the child's tools for play. In order to engage in purposeful play children need the appropriate tools to match their skill level. Toys don't have to be "store bought" and expensive. There are many wonderful things around the home for children to play with including pots and pans, squeeze bottles for the bath and blankets to make a tent. However as we head into the peak toy purchasing season the following suggestions may make you a more critical shopper.
Many toys look attractive and exciting and are highly advertised but how useful are they for your child? If you find an interesting toy try looking at it from the child's perspective. For example if the toy has a mirror can the child actually see him/herself in it from a variety of positions? If your child has poor hand skills are they going to be able to play with the toy that has many small parts?
Look for toys that have multiple sensory components (colour, texture, visual appeal, make sounds, encourage movement) and uses. Toys should be durable & safe (no small pieces that can break off, sharp edges). Toys should encourage active (construction sets) rather than passive (video games) participation. Sometimes the simple toys are the best. Building blocks encourage a baby's reach, grasp and manipulation, eye hand coordination (stacking, putting into containers), moving on to more imaginative play of building castles and forts.
Have fun shopping for that perfect toy for your special child and keep these things in mind; "Will my child be interested in it and do they have the skills necessary to use it?"
Stop by George Jeffrey Children's Centre and visit our annual toy display. This year's theme is games. There are also plenty of handouts about toy tips for children with and without challenges.
Happy holidays from the occupational therapists at GJCC.
By: Lorraine Wardle, Cheryl Thompson, Marj Wataja
Occupational Therapists
George Jeffrey Children's Centre
|
