When you were a kid, what was your favorite toy? I had two: My Evil Knievil stunt wind up motorcycle and my tiger striped drum set. Like most boys who grew up in the 70’s, I wanted to jump over greyhound buses just like Evil Knievil, But after a few bad outcomes trying to launch myself over an overturned garbage can using a homemade ramp on my Schwinn Stingray, I decided my tiger striped drum set might be a better option.
Today, kids have so many options when it comes to choosing a toy. Fortunately and unfortunately, electronics has infiltrated the world of play. Fortunately because there are some awesome toys that integrate technology to combine learning and play in a seamless fashion. Unfortunately because some video games are so fun that kids don’t want to explore other options for play.
Why should you disconnect the video games and encourage your child to play with toys? Stevanne Auerbach, known as Dr. Toy says, “Play reduces stress, improves self-expression, supports emotional development, strengthens physical development and much more.” If somebody known as Dr. Toy says toys are good for kids, then I’m all in.
The Creativity Institute divides toys into four categories:
Toys for physical or muscle development such as wagons, bikes, boxes, puzzles, blocks, brooms, and shovels.
Toys for sensory (touch, sight, sound, taste, smell) development such as water toys, musical instruments, bubbles, play dough, and sand toys.
Toys for make-believe and social development such as dolls, dress-up clothes, cars, trucks, games, and books.
Toys for creative and intellectual development such as clay, crayons, paints, books, paper, and scissors.
The Child Development Institute says, “The best toys engage a child’s senses, spark their imaginations and encourage them to interact with others.” To that end, Engage the Brain has gathered a selection of toys for parents to consider purchasing for their child. Rather than link to specific toys with exact prices, we are going to offer categories for parents to contemplate buying.
Toys
Models – Good old-fashioned models build patience, direction following and fine motor skills. There are cars, planes, boats and buildings to name a few.
Science kit – Science kits are offered in a variety of age ranges. The best ones come with tools such as microscopes and activities and experiments that are well written and easily followed by the child.
Magic kit – Magic kits can provide a lifetime of play. These kits usually introduce kids to some of the secrets of magic such as sleight of hand and optical illusions. And who doesn’t love a good card trick?
Terrariums – These offer wonderful opportunities to learn about plant and flower growth. If you are an adventurous parent, you can introduce critters into the terrarium as well. Children learn about life cycles and nutrients that are necessary to sustain life.
Cooking kit – My daughter had an Easy Bake Oven; though there really wasn’t much baking going on. As technology has developed, cooking kits have become more sophisticated and offer real learning opportunities about the culinary arts.
Train set – Train sets can provide hours of entertainment. In addition to running the trains, a child can build models to add to his community. Changing the landscape by season can keep tour child interacting with the trains year round.
Legos – Legos have come a long way since the 1970’s! Simply put, visit any store – online or brick and mortar – and your child will find a wonderful toy that will provide hours of building and learning.
Wrapping it up
Toys provide learning opportunities and benefits that can last a lifetime. Think about your favorite toy from your childhood; I bet you remember it. Toys can act as a springboard to learning more about a topic. (My tiger striped drum set morphed into a full professional drum kit I play to this day). Together with your child decide what type of toy interests him and check out a few options. Then watch as your child’s imagination and creativity come to life.
David Karch (Learning Specialist with Engage the Brain)