HOW TO CHOOSE SUITABLE TOYS
by Lesia Oesterreich
Toys don't have to be expensive. After all, cardboard boxes in the backyard and measuring cups in the sink are favorite standards. But when you do need to purchase toys, you may find it helpful to know what toys to choose and which to avoid for children of different ages.
Infants & Toddlers
Infants and toddlers learn about the world through their senses. They are interested in the sight, sound, smell, texture, and taste of things. Objects that can be sqeezed, dropped, poked, twisted, or thrown are sure to cause delight. Toddlers also enjoy any item that can be stacked, poured, opened, closed, pushed, or pulled.
Pre-schoolers
Preschool children learn by doing. They are busy developing new skills. They like drawing, painting, and building. They also spend a great deal of time pretending. Dress-up clothes, pretend "props," and puppets are big favorites. Preschoolers are energetic and active. They need large balls to roll and throw, wagons to pull, and tricycles to ride.
School-age Children
School-age children feel more grown-up and love activities that lead to "real products" such as jewelry, "designer" T-shirts, or stamp collections. They also develop a keen interest in sports and enjoy having adult-like physical equipment such as softball gloves, tennis rackets, or skates. They have a better understanding of rules and enjoy playing with others. Board games, cards, or dominoes teach math concepts and problem-solving skills.
In addition to choosing age-appropriate toys, it's also a good idea to get several sets of popular toys. Young children often have difficulty sharing. Toddlers simply do not understand the concept and preschoolers have very limited skills in trading or negotiating. Have several play telephones and a ball for each child to make the day go more smoothly.
Before you buy. . .
You will be spending money and time choosing and buying toys. Here are some questions for you that can help you get going on the right track with toys and equipment:
* Will children of different ages enjoy it?
* Is the toy durable? Will it last?
* Is the toy safe?
* Can the toy be used in a variety of ways?
* Does this toy encourage cooperation or does it encourage aggression @ violence?
* Is it easy to clean?
* Can I make it for less money than I will pay for it?
* Can I buy a more useful toy for the same money?
* Do I need more of these for the number and ages of children in my home?
* Do I have something at home that is similar and for the same kind of play?
* Should I buy this new or look at second-hand stores, auctions, rummage sales, and flea markets?
* Can I find some of the toys I need in the want ads in the newspaper or local advertiser paper? Will it help to advertise: "Wanted by registered child care home - tricycle and wagon"?
* Can I explain the purpose to local merchants and get them to give some of the materials free?
* Can I get the parents involved in making toys or equipment?
* Is this item essential? Can it wait?
* Should I buy books or borrow books from the local library?
* Are there child care resource and referral programs that loan out toys & books?
Toys don't have to be expensive. After all, cardboard boxes in the backyard and measuring cups in the sink are favorite standards. But when you do need to purchase toys, you may find it helpful to know what toys to choose and which to avoid for children of different ages.
Infants & Toddlers
Infants and toddlers learn about the world through their senses. They are interested in the sight, sound, smell, texture, and taste of things. Objects that can be sqeezed, dropped, poked, twisted, or thrown are sure to cause delight. Toddlers also enjoy any item that can be stacked, poured, opened, closed, pushed, or pulled.
Pre-schoolers
Preschool children learn by doing. They are busy developing new skills. They like drawing, painting, and building. They also spend a great deal of time pretending. Dress-up clothes, pretend "props," and puppets are big favorites. Preschoolers are energetic and active. They need large balls to roll and throw, wagons to pull, and tricycles to ride.
School-age Children
School-age children feel more grown-up and love activities that lead to "real products" such as jewelry, "designer" T-shirts, or stamp collections. They also develop a keen interest in sports and enjoy having adult-like physical equipment such as softball gloves, tennis rackets, or skates. They have a better understanding of rules and enjoy playing with others. Board games, cards, or dominoes teach math concepts and problem-solving skills.
In addition to choosing age-appropriate toys, it's also a good idea to get several sets of popular toys. Young children often have difficulty sharing. Toddlers simply do not understand the concept and preschoolers have very limited skills in trading or negotiating. Have several play telephones and a ball for each child to make the day go more smoothly.
Before you buy. . .
You will be spending money and time choosing and buying toys. Here are some questions for you that can help you get going on the right track with toys and equipment:
* Will children of different ages enjoy it?
* Is the toy durable? Will it last?
* Is the toy safe?
* Can the toy be used in a variety of ways?
* Does this toy encourage cooperation or does it encourage aggression @ violence?
* Is it easy to clean?
* Can I make it for less money than I will pay for it?
* Can I buy a more useful toy for the same money?
* Do I need more of these for the number and ages of children in my home?
* Do I have something at home that is similar and for the same kind of play?
* Should I buy this new or look at second-hand stores, auctions, rummage sales, and flea markets?
* Can I find some of the toys I need in the want ads in the newspaper or local advertiser paper? Will it help to advertise: "Wanted by registered child care home - tricycle and wagon"?
* Can I explain the purpose to local merchants and get them to give some of the materials free?
* Can I get the parents involved in making toys or equipment?
* Is this item essential? Can it wait?
* Should I buy books or borrow books from the local library?
* Are there child care resource and referral programs that loan out toys & books?
posted by Mat Bebas at
8:14 PM
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