Child Development And Toys
Brittney Foster
It is no secret that there are certain toys that should be used
at specific ages. Many of these toys are designed for certain
age groups based on safety concerns. However, many others are
designed to specifically encourage the development of a child.
Studies indicate that children develop and reach certain
milestones at various age levels. The toys for these ages are
built to help the child in developing these skills. Parents
should look for toys that are within the child’s age range but
they should also look at the skill level of the child before
purchasing a toy.
Children from birth through six months of age have certain
developmental milestones that should be met. Physically, their
eyesight matures, they start to vocalize, they are learning to
grasp objects and they are learning to use their muscles.
Infants also start to recognize faces, mimic their expressions
and favor particular people. They start to want attention from
people and begin the early stages of socialization.
Toys for this age group are designed to enhance and encourage
these traits. Toys should be for seeing, hearing and touching
at this point. This will encourage the child to respond to the
sights and sounds they hear. Mirrors that are safety oriented
are great toys at this time. The baby can look at himself and
mimic his expressions. Toys in monochromatic and bright colors
will stimulate eyesight at this time. Also toys that have
varying textures will help the child with tactile sensations.
At this time toys that a child can shake, put in his mouth and
touch are ideal.
For children from approximately seven to twelve months of age,
they are starting to crawl and possibly walk. Their motor
skills are getting refined. They enjoy playing games that show
objects appear and reappear as well as simple mechanics such as
open and shut. Picture books are more of an interest at this
stage as well. They are more social beings and may begin to be
wary of strangers.
Toys that the child can throw and drop are ideal at this time.
Also, toys with compartments that they can open and shut or
slide as well as stack are perfect to help children hone these
skills. Toys with bells or slots that they can push to get a
reaction will delight the child and they will learn simple
cause and effect. Larger objects they can crank, pull and turn
are perfect for this age. Picture books they can touch and feel
and pop up are great too. This will begin a solid foundation in
reading and will instill an interest in books.
Toddlers who are one year to two years old are developing their
physical and social skills even more. During this time, parents
will see rapid advances and it is usually a very fun time to
watch children. They are learning to manipulate smaller objects
and are more interested in effects of their manipulations. They
are starting to build things now and have started an artistic
sense. They will begin drawing and building things as well as
playing in sand and water.
Toys for this age group should include building materials such
as blocks and connecting blocks. Pool toys and learning to swim
are also great toys. Art supplies like clay, paint, colors and
markers will help the child express through art. Toys that
stack and string are also great to help hone fine motor skills.
Near the end of the first year, a child should be able to string
beads and blocks, stack blocks and fit objects into appropriate
sized holes.
As a child turns two years of age, they start to hone their
larger muscle groups, jumping, running and hanging. They will
start to count and speak more clearly and will be able to grasp
simple concepts of size and fit. Their imagination will develop
greatly at this age as well. Children at this age start to
explore their independence and like to do things on their own.
Children will also start to play with others and learn social
skills.
Toys that have movement and sound and allow the child to throw
and drop them are ideal. Outdoor toys such as balls and play
equipment will help refine their physical strengths. Monkey
bars and swing sets are perfect for accomplishing this. Wagons,
tricycles and toys that show adult tasks like vacuum cleaners
and lawn mowers will please the child. Continuing art work will
help hone the imagination. Books are also of greater interest at
this age and children enjoy hearing and contributing to stories.
About The Author:
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