importance of toy in child development

A toy is an object used in play.[1] As a child, we considered toys our object of desire. They come from different sizes, type and shapes. Toys are considered a child’s priced possession. We normally fight our siblings because of toys. And most of all it is our first learning tools.

Here is a small article about the importance of toys in early child development:

Toys in child development

Toys, like play itself, serve multiple purposes in both humans and animals. They provide entertainment while fulfilling an educational role. Toys enhance cognitive behavior and stimulate creativity. They aid in the development of physical and mental skills which are necessary in later life.

One of the simplest toys, a set of simple wooden blocks is also one of the best toys for developing minds. Andrew Witkin, director of marketing for Mega Brands told Investor's Business Daily that, "They help develop hand-eye coordination, math and science skills and also let kids be creative." Other toys like Marbles, jackstones, and balls serve similar functions in child development, allowing children to use their minds and bodies to learn about spatial relationships, cause and effect, and a wide range of other skills as well as those mentioned by Mr. Witkin.

One example of the dramatic ways that toys can influence child development involves clay sculpting toys such as Play-Doh and Silly Putty and their home-made counterparts. Mary Ucci, Educational Director of the Child Study Center of Wellesley College, demonstrates how such toys positively impact the Physical Development, Cognitive Development, Emotional Development, and Social Development of children.

Toys for infants often make use of distinctive sounds, bright colors, and unique textures. Through play with toys infants begin to recognize shapes and colors. Repetition reinforces memory. Play-Doh, Silly Putty and other hands-on materials allow the child to make toys of their own.

Educational toys for school age children of often contain a puzzle, problem-solving technique, or mathematical proposition. Often toys designed for older audiences, such as teenagers or adults demonstrate advanced concepts. Newton's cradle, a desk toy designed by Simon Prebble, demonstrates the conservation of momentum and energy.

Not all toys are appropriate for all ages of children. Some toys which are marketed for a specific age range can even harm the development of children in that range.

So next time your parents would stop you from playing, tell them you’re learning stuffs during your play time.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy#Toys_in_child_development

[2] for the photo - http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracinhamarco/494518826/

A peek into Play - doh

Filipinos have been lauded the world over for their creativity, innovativeness, artistry and craftsmanship. These are the things that differentiate us from other nations.

The Creative Industry in the Philippines is an emerging and dynamic sector of the country’s economy. It includes publishing, printing, literature; music and the performing arts; visual arts; crafts, design and architecture; audiovisual and new media; cultural heritage and cultural activities[1]. What better way to start with our country’s children. Children are the hope of the nation. The youth are the next people and future career developers of our country. Children’s business is playing. Play is to a kid as work is to a man. It is their most favorite thing to do. Toys are their machines and equipments. It is their most prized possession. Some have collected and value their toys since childhood and kept them as souvenirs and memorabilia.

Who wouldn’t know what Play-Doh is?

Play-Doh is very popular and is already recognized as one of Toys Hall of Famer[2]. It is the three-dimensional doorways to artistic expression of kids. Kids especially love to flatten, cut and mold modeling dough with plastic tools. In addition to entertaining kids, Play-Doh can help children develop a lifelong skill. Clay modeling is an excellent way to develop fine motor skills in young children. The stimulating creative thought process will improve the children's visual observation skills. Learn how to mix colors and to create textures with the colorful polymer clays. Develop the child's interest and enhance their talent in the art of clay creations.

"Young children learn best through direct sensory encounters and not through a formal academic process. Learning should be the outcome of hands-on experience, especially play." - National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

A kid event that would mentally physically and socially develop children would be an appropriate way to increase or enhance the Philippine’s creative industry.

Intelligence, imagination and creativity are engaged and fostered in the activities throughout the event. It will also give opportunity for the target market to experience the products in hands on basis. The event will also be an opportunity for parents to experience fun and quality time with their kids. The event will not only be for fun and enjoyment but also good teaching grounds as well for both the parents and their kids. The event teaches kids values, good manner, the importance of teamwork, how to socialize and mingle with others kids as well.

Each one of us has their own childlike behavior.

I have posted a picture of a vintage Play-Doh tub ever.
Picture taken by Euphrates (http://www.bigredtoybox.com/cgi-bin/toynfo.pl?playdohindex)

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[1] SunStar -http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2006/05/21

[2] National Toy Hall of Fame - http://www.strongmuseum.org/NTHoF/NTHoF.html