Toys are a child's window to the world around them. If a toy interests a child, more times than not, they should be allowed to play with it. It's something that's referred to as "equality of opportunity". This approach is used as a way of instruction based on the interests of the child. It helps to build, today, the cornerstone of education for years to come.
Equality of opportunity operates on a framework of sorts. Where this learning method is concerned, for children of various ages, there are seven areas of development which include the following:
- Expressive arts and design
- World understanding
- Math
- Literacy
- Language development
- Physical development
- PSED – personal social and emotional development
Here, we’ll look at toys of different kinds, why it's important that all types of play are encouraged for boys and girls, and how toys help in precise areas of development.
A CHILD'S LITTLE WORLD
"Small world toys" can include cars and other realistic playthings like dinosaurs, animals, and numerous vehicle types. These toys resemble the world around your child but brings everything down to their size. Kids use language, imagination, math, and discover the world and how it works without even realizing it.
CONSTRUCTION TOYS AREN'T JUST FOR BOYS
Toys having to do with construction used to be considered boys toys – but no longer! The equality of opportunity method of learning stresses that both boys and girls can play with any toys they wish, regardless of what gender those toys were associated with in the past.
Construction toys in particular can help with language development, problem-solving, math skills, imagination, and expressive arts and design, as well as fine motor skills.
PUZZLES AND JIGSAWS
Again, these used to be aimed at little girls but that is an assumption that has fallen to the wayside, thankfully. Both boys and girls can experience the enjoyment of one-on-one partnering with a teacher or parent through these challenging toys. They also practice problem-solving and hone their fine motor skills while understanding what it's like to accomplish something successfully.
DRESS-UP AND ROLE PLAYING
What children see on TV and in their lives, they replay or mimic during play times. They may even attempt to solve a situation that's been bothering them by playing it out during "pretend time". Imagination is encouraged by dress-up and role-playing.
Dress-up, in particular, helps develop fine motor skills while children are putting on and taking off outfits (i.e., buttons, zippers, snaps, bow tying, etc.).
As children age, they can create stories with friends which will help develop language skills, as well as improving social and planning skills.
PLAYING WITHIN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT
Cooking and kitchen toys help develop language and imagination in kids. When they play with other children or a parent, this type of play promotes elements of relationship development, taking turns, sharing, and working together.
Little workshop or workbench setups are also a good way to promote realistic home play situations.
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!
How often did you hear that as a child? The thing is, it truly is important for a child's physical development to get out in the world and play in the fresh air. Coordination, stamina, and muscle development all depend on playing outside. Children learn better how to control their bodies, the concept of space and speed, and how to develop balance by playing on outdoor toys.
Offering further outdoor enjoyment, physical development, and learning, are bodies of water and/or pools. Water can help a child learn initial concepts of volume and weight as well as cause-and-effect. Exploration is encouraged by allowing the child to swim in a lake, pond, ocean, etc.
KIDPOWERED – WE'VE GOT TOYS!
At Kidpowered, we have all the toys you need to teach your child about the world around them, life within the home, and more. Help them develop physically and mentally with our high-quality toys. Shop by category, brand, theme, or simply peruse our entire inventory. Whatever works for you.
Most importantly, before you purchase toys for your children anywhere else, shop at Kidpowered.