How to be smart about smart toys?

By Ellen DePasquale

Technology has become second nature to today's kids. Not only do they get their hands on computers as early as kindergarten but the stores are now full of "smart" toys that incorporate some level of computer technology. But what does a smart toy do, and how does playing with one affect your child?

What makes a toy smart is its functionality -- what it does and how it does it. A smart toy is not going to make your child "smarter" by increasing his or her I.Q., but some smart toys can help children get better grades by using games to teach academic subjects such as math and reading.

Defining "Smart"

We have a very specific functional definition for smart toys: Toys that use technology to enhance play by interacting with the child either through (1) initiation of "open-ended" play suggestions, or (2) responding to the child's actions in a way that sparks the child's creativity.

1. Open-ended play suggestions allow the child to define the play scenario. For example, a smart ambulance toy may say, "Help is needed over there," suggesting a rescue play pattern without dictating precisely what or where the problem is or who is in need of help. The child is then free to use his or her imagination to invent the situation and details.

2. Smart toys typically offer three different types of responses -- sound, light or movement - in response to a child's actions. It is these responses that spark a child's creativity. For example, a smart toy keyboard may have the ability to produce not just musical sounds but other sounds, such as animal sounds. This will spark creativity as the child listens to how the duck's quack changes with every key.

Our definition only covers a small percentage of those toys that are labeled "smart." Those toys that simply display computer-powered "bells and whistles" (i.e., special effects) but do not offer open-ended interactivity or responses that spark creativity we consider to be "techno" toys. An example would be a robotic dog that walks and barks-but not in response to anything the child does.

Choosing Smart

A smart purchase decision starts with understanding the child who is going to receive the toy. What types of toys does the child currently play with? What are his favorite book, TV or movie characters? What are her interests and favorite activities? What are his favorite school subjects? In what areas does the child excel or need assistance? Answering these questions is important so that you can match the smart toy to the child's needs and interests.

Smart toys offer a wide variety of experiences and cover a great range of topics, so there is literally something for everyone. Here are some examples of topics addressed by smart toys:


Music appreciation


Music education


Math


Reading


Writing


History


Geography


Construction


Smart toys can also help develop physical and social skills, including:


Hand-eye coordination


Verbal and Written Communication


Patience (taking turns)


Listening and following directions


Buying Smart

Since smart toys are usually expensive, you want to make sure to get the best return on your investment. Here is a checklist of features to look for when making your final decision:


ON and OFF switch - Believe it or not, some manufacturers have designed toys that cannot be turned off by a person, but rather shut themselves down after a predefined period of no interaction. The problem here is three-fold: first, the lack of control puts the smart toy, as opposed to the child or parent, in charge of the playtime; second, if the child is done playing with the toy, then there is a good chance no one else wants to continue to listen to it; third, the two problems just noted will very quickly turn this noisy smart toy into a dusty smart toy as no one will want to turn it on knowing they cannot turn it off.



Volume control - seems obvious to me but I guess not to some manufacturers.



Headset jack - not mandatory, but does allow for the child to play without forcing everyone in the vicinity to listen.



Manufacturer's suggestions for play - I am happy to say that manufacturers are now including suggestions on how parents can become involved in play.



Multiple levels of play - one terrific advantage of "smart" toys is that they are often smart enough to identify the child's skill level, and adjust the game accordingly.



Interactive but not dictating play - smart toys should invite children to play, not tell them what to do.



Suggested age range - this is important as a guide, but you know your kids better than anyone and we all know that children develop and mature at different rates.


Playing Smart

Smart toys are great for helping to teach children a variety of lessons, but the most important part of playtime is the interaction with you! Don't be intimidated by the buttons on the smart toy; I am sure that the child who receives it will not be. Children are so adept at technology that they are ready to play even before they understand what the toy can do.

Let the child open the box and start playing even before you get to the manual. Smart toys that have a specific sequence required to get them started also usually come with a reset button, so you can start over from scratch if you don't get it right the first time.

Learn how to play with the toy together -- it is great for bonding and building self-confidence. Many times you will find that the child grasps how the toy works even before you do, and then he or she becomes the teacher. This is a powerful dynamic that will make any kid feel great. But make sure you eventually understand how the toy works, so that you can help if there are any questions in the future. The last thing you want to hear yourself say is, "I don't know how it works."

Keep the directions handy even after you have mastered the toy or completed the set-up process (if there is one). If, six months from now, the toy's memory is somehow erased, the child will be very disappointed if you cannot remember how to set it up again.

The bottom line is that playtime is for having fun. The smart toy you choose should offer a new, exciting experience for both you and your child because it plays the role of a new playmate, introducing new ways to play.

Smart Toys

Parents today are concern about the development of their children especially brain development. As a result, they tend to find brain-building toys or smart toys that 'claim' to help to boost the level of intelligence. When there is a demand, there will be a supply. Now stores are filled with various 'smart toys'.

So, what is a smart toy? In a nutshell, a smart toy incorporates some level of computer technology that could respond according to the child's actions and can even identify the child's skill level, hence could
adjust the game accordingly. A robotic dog that just walks and barks but not in response to anything the child does is not considered smart toy.

In addition, smart toys tend to enhance play by interacting with the child through 'open-ended' play suggestions that allow the child to step in to define the play scenario. For example, a smart ambulance toy
may say, "Help is needed over there," suggesting a rescue play pattern without dictating play. Since the child is not told what to do is free to use their imagination to continue the play, thereby sparks the
child's creativity. 'ActiMates Teletubbies' is an example of smart toy:

ActiMates Teletubbies, developed by Microsoft, are stuffed toys that will talk, sing, and play games with your kids. Each one has a little screen on its stomach, consisting of different colored LED lights that display shapes and designs your child will start to recognize. Your child just has to push the screen to start any number of games, and then to squeeze the doll's hands and feet in order to play. You can even get the Teletubby to communicate with your PC using the PC Pack, although we think it functions best as a standalone companion.

While smart toys are usually expensive, can you make sure you get the best return on your investment? In other words, can smart toys really make your child smarter? To a large extend, there is no conclusive
proof that smart toys are going to increase your child I.Q. If so, is it worth spending money on smart toys?

Pete Stavinoha, child psychologist of University of Texas Southwestern said smart toys don't necessary score higher than the classics, like puzzles and blocks. Stavinoha said how a toy impacts a child's development depends on how it's used, the interaction
it promotes, the language used to discuss the toy and the level of pretend play it promotes. Traditional toys like building blocks, crayons and puzzles work as well as the more sophisticated "smart toys".

"Playing with crayons, drawing and painting unleash the creativity in a child and encourage old-fashioned imagination and exploration," he said. "A child can learn problem solving and persistence with simple
building blocks, by rebuilding structures when they wobble and fall," Stavinoha said. Even simple play such as parents reading out loud with action using storybook that full of colorful picture to the child could
promote their imagination.

When it comes to computer games, Stavinoha claimed that there are not real-life experiences. For example, when a child run into a roadblock on a computer games can always reset the games and start all over again. As a result, the child has no difficulty to overcome.

Stavinoha said the children that succeeded later in life are those who have learned through play that life has challenges and overcome them while they play and in the process boost their self-confidence. Most importantly is for parents to participate and to interact with their children when playing. Even the best toys won't help children develop if they're left to play alone. However, parents are reminded to leave enough space for their children to be creative. Do not interrupt when they are concentrate playing (even though the way they play is different from you). Only provide guidance and encouragement when they have hit their limit.

Traditional games, play or toys are as good as expensive smart toys. To go back to the basics, look at this article or this brain-building games for some ideas on simple toys or games that could be make your child smart too!

p/s-you can get more useful article at brainy-child.com

How to choose toys your child won't leave in the box

By Henrietta Joyce

Have you have noticed the increased in advertisements for toys on television and everywhere else? And every single toy is educational! Isn't it a wonder that all our children are not mini Einsteins? In this article I will explain - what children learn through play, the benefits of play, different types of play and their value, how play helps the development of a person from babies into adulthood and finally, how to choose age appropriate toys that will provide hours of fun and learning. With this information you will be able to choose toys that will be fun and educational so that your children will learn while they play.

What do children learn through play? Why is play vital and why should it be encouraged? Children it is the main way that children learn, in fact for children play is work. Play helps children to communicate ideas, it allows them to develop important skills and also it excites children. Through play our children learn skills and habits that will help them develop into happy, healthy well-balanced adults. For play to be meaningful your child needs your participation. Twenty minutes a day or more is all that's needed to increase your children's development.

What are the benefits of play? There are many ways in which children benefit from play. It has been proven by psychologists that children who do not play fail to thrive. For play to be meaningful, children need someone to play with, choice, variety and enthusiasm. The benefits of play can be seen in five areas, they are: ?Physical ?Developing co-ordination, physical fitness and health ?Social ?learning about friendships, personality and emotions ?Emotional ?practicing adult roles through role play ?Language ?communication skills, problem solving ?Cognitive ?through play children develop an understanding of concepts, group objects and explore different materials Children need a range of toys and materials to develop in all of the five areas.

Different types of play and their value Play can take many different shapes and forms however your child needs a balance of all forms in order to develop into a well-rounded adult. Play type can be divided into five main areas: imaginative play, construction, creative play, physical play and board games. Through imaginative play or pretend play children dress up and act out different aspects of daily life. Children learn to tell stories and make sense of daily life experiences.

Construction play uses a variety of toys including, duplo, bricks, and train sets and also re-cycled materials such as boxes. Construction toys help children learn about shape, colour and size, improve fine motor skills, problem solve and concentration.

Creative play covers a wide range of activities such as painting, drawing, collage (cutting, gluing and sticking), play dough and sewing. Creative play provides opportunities for children to develop manipulative skills, experiment and make choices for themselves.

Physical play covers many activities, which can be indoors or outdoors. It can involve large play equipment like bikes, climbing frames, tunnels, smaller toys like bats, balls and hoops or no equipment at all. Physical play is not only healthy but develops large and small motor skills (necessary for muscle control), self-confidence, special awareness and co-operation.

Board games and playing cards such as ludo, snap, snakes and ladders provide hours of endless fun and also provide children with an opportunity to develop language skills, turn taking, sharing and how to be a good sport.

How does play help children develop into well-balanced adults? I am sure you have met and worked with people who you find difficult to get along with? It could be they lack confidence, have poor communication skills or an inability to work as part of a team. Through play children learn to share and develop their sense of self. Play offers opportunities to develop language, physical, social, emotional, creative and intellectual development that are all vital skills necessary for a productive and happy adult life.

Choosing age appropriate, fun, educational toys Choosing age appropriate toys can be confusing, however there are a few questions you can ask yourself that will help you to choose wisely. ?What is my child interested in? Watch him play and you will find out his preferences. ?Is the toy safe? Does it have a kite mark? Check the toy is sturdy, has no sharp or jagged edges and for under threes avoid small parts. ?Am I choosing this toy because I like it or wish I'd been given it when I was a child? Just because you like a toy doesn't mean your child will, remember that you are at least twenty years older than your child. ?Is it suitable for my child's age and ability? Don't buy toys that manufacturers have labelled as too young or old for your child because they may be either bored or frustrated with it. ?Will it help my child develop useful skills? (Refer to the above) ?Will he or she feel the toy is too girlish or boyish?

The best way to ensure a child plays with a toy is to make it fun. If you play together with the toy he will enjoy it much more and you will increase the learning potential. Playing with your child makes him or her feel loved and special.

Play is essential to a child's develops and growth. Playing with a wide range of toys helps children learn a wide variety of skills that will prepare them for adulthood. Choosing the most appropriate toys for your child is quite simple. Think about safety, take into account her preferences, is it suitable for her age and will it develop a skill? Your enthusiastic participation will establish a special closeness that will resonate throughout both your lives.

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WELCOME!!!

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