Chapel Forge Early Childhood Center
SOURCES:
U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The American Toy Institute
Parents Magazine
Kid Source Online
Exceptional Parent Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY *
Parental Involvement in Play *
A Developmental Guide to Toy Selection *
BIRTH - SIX MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL *
SIX MONTHS - ONE YEAR DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL *
ONE - TWO YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL *
TWO - THREE YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL *
THREE - SIX YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL AGE *
Online Retailers *
"ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A CHILD CAN DO IS PLAY"
One of the most important things a child can do is play. Play is the essential joy of childhood and is also the way children learn about themselves, their environment and the people around them. As they play, children learn to solve problems, get along with other people and control their bodies as they enrich their creativity and develop leadership skills. When children play with a broad variety of toys, the experiences help them to develop to their fullest potential.
This guide does not recommend specific name brand toys. Instead, the
purpose of the guide is to help you make educated decisions when selecting
toys for your child. Using the information in this guide, you will be able
to choose the best toys for your child's needs.
Physical skills are developed through movement as a child learns to reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb and balance. Fine motor skills (the use of hands and fingers) advance as he or she handles objects in play.
Mental skills are sharpened through play that encourages problem solving and demonstrates cause and effect. Children learn about shapes, colors, sizes and other concepts through play. Language blossoms as a child interacts with others and uses words for favorite playthings and activities.
Language develops as a child plays and interacts with others. Beginning with cooing games with a parent and evolving to sophisticated levels such as telling stories and jokes, the ability to use language increases as the child plays.
Social skills grow as the child plays.
Learning to cooperate, negotiate, take turns and play by the rules are
all important skills learned in early games. It is through imaginative
play that the child begins to learn some of the roles and rules of society.
Sharing play experiences also forges strong bonds between parent and child
throughout childhood. Learning to follow directions, cooperate, take turns,
abide by the rules and share are important social skills that will
be important for a lifetime will be mastered through play. Emotional well
being develops through positive play experiences. When children feel successful
and capable as they play, they acquire important ingredients for emotional
health. Play stimulates creativity and imagination, as well, and
allows children to expand the horizons of their world. When a child pretends
to be a doctor, a teacher, a parent, or a firefighter, he or she learns
that life is full of possibilities and opportunities.
Parents are their child's first and best playmates. Not only do parents have an important role in choosing good toys, but research shows that the most creative children are those who have had adults involved in their play. The richest play occurs when the adult takes an active role and plays alongside the child, rather than just providing the toys or supervising the activity.
Becoming part of a child's play may take practice; after all, we have been taught to give up childish things and "grow up." Here are some suggestions for joining your child's play:
Observe
Watch your child closely to determine his or her skill levels and favorite activities. Ask your child's teacher and/or therapist for input, and work together to find the right toys and activities.
Follow
Join in and play at the child's level. You can add to the complexity of the play, but let your child be in control and determine the direction of the play.
Be Creative
Rediscover the child inside yourself and let go of the adult notion that there is only one way to play with a toy. Use toys as "springboards" and you'll be amazed at how many different ways you can play.
Have Fun
The wonderful thing about playing is that everyone is successful at it. Don't use playtime to test or stretch your child's skills. It's a time to feel good about yourself and each other--and to just have fun together. Perhaps, most important of all, play is fun. Years later, when we recall our childhood, it is the happy times spent playing with special people that we remember most fondly.
Other Parent Resources
If you interested in additional information on play or toys for children
with challenges, both Exceptional Parent Magazine (www.eparent.com/toys)
and National Lekotek Center (www.lekotek.org)
have helpful articles and tips for parents. Additional contact information
is found on the Related Resource page.
Choose simple toys
The more a toy does, the less there is for the child to do. A plain toy phone will lead to more imaginative conversations than a phone with prerecorded messages. A wind-up car to push along gives better play value than a battery powered car.
Choose toys that let the child set the agenda
Open-ended play materials put your child in charge of the story. A set of stacking cups can be a tower or a flotilla of sailing ships in the bathtub.
Pick playthings that grow with your child
A wagon with a high sturdy handle supports a beginning walker, makes a cozy crib for dolls, and will act as a train or dump truck in the following years.
Don't let gender rule your selections
Kitchen items, dolls, peg benches and toy trucks are things that appeal to both boys and girls alike during their early years.
Provide toys that address growth in all the important areas
Large- and small muscle control, pretending, thinking and problem solving, nurturing and cuddling are all important. Simple books and some things to enable kids to play or make music are also important. A few well chosen basics from these areas will serve them and you better than a collection of elaborate playthings.
Use your imagination
Not all toys need to be purchased! A kitchen pot and wooden spoon can be used as drum set. Turn the pot over and it becomes a container where children can place and dump blocks, spoons, or even large curlers. Food containers with plastic lids can have the lids cut into shapes of items you already have at home. A cardboard box can be a container or "secret fort" where children can play.
Read toy labels
Labels on toy packages take some of the guesswork out of choosing safe, appropriate toys. Match your child's developmental level to the age on the toy’s label.
Ask!
Your child's teacher and/or therapist can provide suggestions for appropriate
toys. Some children have special challenges that require adaptations, changes,
or placement of toys. Working together, you will be able to provide your
child with the best situation for learning through play.
A Developmental Guide to Toy Selection
Based on child development research, the following guide will help in
your selection of toys for various developmental levels. Remember to consider
your child's interests, abilities and limitations when making a selection.
Not all children enjoy the same sort of play: one child will be interested
in building with blocks or doing puzzles; another may prefer riding bikes
or playing ball; your child may enjoy pretending with a dollhouse or playing
board games. Some toys are recommended for more than one developmental
category, because your child's interest in a toy will often carry through
more than one age group. Remember to use your child's developmental level,
not chronological age, when selecting toys.
BIRTH - SIX MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
Experts agree that even children at this level benefit from an assortment of toys. They use their senses (taste, smell, touch, sound and sight) to learn about their world. During the first few months of development, children are unable to grasp objects with their hands, but enjoy exploring with their eyes and ears. Toys that make noise or feature high-contrast, black-and-white or brightly colored images are especially appealing. Once they can reach for objects, they enjoy toys that are textured and safe for mouthing. Remember, to avoid dangerous entanglement, toys never should be hung or attached to a crib, playpen, stroller, infant seat or around a child's neck with elastic, string or ribbon.
Choose toys that:
Crib gyms*
Floor gyms
Activity quilts
Mobiles*
Safety mirrors
Teething toys
Large, interlocking rings or keys
Cloth toys
Soft dolls
Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
Musical and chime toys
Rattles
*Remove when baby is five months developmentally or is able to push
up on hands and knees.
SIX MONTHS - ONE YEAR DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
At this level, children develop the motor skills that enable them to play with toys in new and exciting ways. When they can sit up, they enjoy toys they can manipulate - bang, drop, stack up, put in and take out, and open and shut. Once they can crawl, "cruise" (walk while holding furniture) and walk, they enjoy things that move along with them. Toys that show cause and effect are also exciting at this age.
Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
Push-pull toys
Busy boxes
Nesting and stacking toys
Simple shape sorters
Pop-up toys
Soft blocks
Bath toys
Teething toys
Large, interlocking rings or keys
Soft dolls
Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
Simple musical instruments
Rattles
Squeeze/squeak toys
Cloth and cardboard picture books
ONE - TWO YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
A busy child needs toys for active physical play-- especially things to ride and climb on, such as a low riding toy or a wagon to ride in and pull. Toys that also encourage experimentation and manipulation are exciting at this level. At this level, children imitate adults and enjoy props that help them master life skills.
Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
Push-pull toys
Ride-on toys (feet-propelled)
Wagons
Backyard gyms (infant swing, small slide, small climbing equipment)
Nesting and stacking toys
Simple shape sorters
Pop-up toys
Blocks
Bath toys
Sandbox/sand toys
Wading pool/water toys
Puzzles with knobs (whole-object pieces)
Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
Dolls and baby gear
Play vehicles
Kitchen equipment and gadgets
Play household items (telephone, lawn mower, workbench, shopping
cart)
Playhouse
Child-sized table and chairs
Non-toxic art supplies (large crayons and coloring books, clay,
finger-paints)
Musical instruments
Cardboard picture books, pop-up books
TWO - THREE YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
At this stage, children love testing their physical skills - jumping, climbing, and throwing - and enjoy toys for active play. This group also possesses good hand and finger coordination and enjoys putting these skills to work with basic arts and crafts, puppets, blocks and simple puzzles. Imaginative play also begins during this developmental level.
Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
Tricycle and helmet
Wagon
Backyard gyms (swing, small slide, small climbing equipment)
Shape sorters
Building blocks and building systems
Blocks with letters and numbers
Wading pool/water toys
Sandbox/sand toys
Puzzles with knobs (whole-object pieces that fit into simple scenes)
Stuffed animals
Dolls that can be bathed, fed and diapered
Dress-up clothes and accessories
Play vehicles
Hand- and finger-puppets
Kitchen equipment and gadgets
Play household items (telephone, lawn mower, workbench, shopping
cart)
Playhouse
Play scenes (e.g., farm, airport) with figures and accessories
Child-sized table and chairs
Non-toxic art supplies (crayons and coloring books, clay, finger-paints,
sidewalk chalk)
Storybooks
THREE - SIX YEARS DEVELOPMENTAL AGE
At this level, children begin to play actively with each other. They are masters of make-believe. They like to act out grown-up roles and create imaginary situations. Costumes and equipment that help them in their pretend worlds are important at this stage. Some of the many possibilities include pretend money, play food, a toy cash register or telephone, a make-believe village, fort, circus, farm, gas station or restaurant, a puppet theater and play with dolls and doll furniture. It is quite common for children at this level to develop strong attachments to favorite toys, expressing feelings to a special doll or teddy bear. Materials for arts and crafts are also popular with this group. Transportation is fascinating to young children. Trucks, cars, planes, trains, boats and tractors are all fun at this level and beyond.
Tricycle and helmet
Bicycle and helmet
Backyard gym equipment
Construction toys
Lacing and threading sets
Puzzles (10-20 pieces)
Stuffed animals
Dolls and doll clothes
Dress-up clothes and accessories
Props for make-believe play
Play vehicles
Hand- and finger-puppets
Play scenes with figures and accessories
Tape player and tapes
Electronic toys
Non-toxic art supplies (safety scissors, construction paper, crayons)
Simple board games; word and matching games
Storybooks
Toys have the distinction of being one of the most closely monitored and regulated products on the market. This is understandable, given that over 2.6 billion toys are purchased each year and parents are naturally very concerned about the products they give their children. The toy industry and the Federal government work closely together to ensure that toys are among the safest products brought into the home.
Careful manufacturing methods and toy selection are not enough, however. Toys must be used, maintained and stored correctly to ensure that the safety built in at the factory continues in the home. There is no substitute, ever, for sensible adult supervision!
Parents and others responsible for a child's care must be safety experts. Remember, too, that youngsters learn safe play habits and responsibility from grownups. Read instructions carefully to make sure that both you and child understand them. Special attention to directions will result in safer play and longer toy life. Always remove and immediately discard all packaging from a toy before giving it to a baby or small child.
Spot check toys regularly for minor damage and urge children to let you know when toys need repair. A child does not always see significance in a small crack or tear if the toy is still in one piece. Often a spot of glue, a tightened bolt, a few drops of oil or a bit of tape will prevent further damage and a possible accident.
Begin to teach toddlers to store their toys properly in a place selected by you. Putting toys where they belong after play may not only prevent them from being lost, stolen or damaged, but may also prevent younger brothers and sisters from injuring themselves on toys intended for older children. Making a game of "clean up time" while singing a song makes it a fun activity. Your encouragement will help to foster a sense of responsibility and teach that care must be given to valued belongings.
An infant's environment should be made as hazard-free as possible. Crib
gyms and mobiles must be removed once the infant reaches a five month developmental
level or begins to push up on hands and knees. Remember that crib toys
such as stuffed animals, rattle and beads should never be hung or attached
to a crib, playpen or carriage with any sort of string or ribbon. (No matter
how harmless you may think this is, there is the possibility of the cord
getting attached to a button or strap of clothing or wrapped around hands,
feet or neck.)
Because of the special attraction they hold for children, balloons pose
a risk that many parents overlook. Since an uninflated balloon or a piece
of a broken balloon could present a choking or suffocation hazard, adults
should inflate balloons and supervise their use with children under the
age of eight. Do not leave balloons in a room with unsupervised babies
and toddlers because if they pop and you are not aware of it, the pieces
can be quickly swallowed. Explain balloon safety to your older children
so they are aware of the safety hazard that exists for their younger siblings.
Toys are labeled based on four criteria: the safety aspects of the toy; the physical capabilities of the child (ability to manipulate the toy); the cognitive abilities of the child (understanding how to use the toy); and the child's interests.
The most common safety label warns against choking hazards. Since January 1, 1995, any toy or game manufactured for children ages three to six is required to carry such a warning if the toy contains small parts, small balls, marbles or a balloon. Such toys are not intended for children under three or any child who is still mouthing objects. Other common labels to look for include "flame retardant/flame resistant" on fabric products, "surface or machine washable" on stuffed toys and dolls and "UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Listed" on electrically operated toys.
Select unbreakable toys that are lightweight, washable and free of sharp corners, rough edges or strings.
It is not advised to select a toy designed for a higher developmental level than your child's. The age label has been thoughtfully assigned based on many factors including safety. If a child is given a toy that is too advanced, he or she may become frustrated or be exposed to a safety risk. A toy that is age appropriate creates an opportunity for a child to succeed, which helps build pride and self-confidence.
While labels help consumers narrow down their choices, no package label can tell you exactly which toy is right for your child. Use labels as a guide, but always keep in mind the maturity, skill level and interest of the child when making toy purchases.
As you shop, also consider that children of all developmental levels need a well balanced assortment of toys to contribute to their development and pleasure -- ones for active play, manipulative play, make-believe play and creative play.
Study your child, read labels and trust your instincts. Happy shopping!
CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL
568 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-1990 / Fax (212) 966-2073
www.cbcbooks.orgDR. TOY
www.drtoy.comEXCEPTIONAL PARENT
555 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ 07649-1517
(201) 634-6550 / Fax (201) 634-6599
www.eparent.comKID SOURCE ONLINE
www.kidsource.comNATIONAL LEKOTEK CENTER
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline: 800-366-PLAY TTY: 800-573-4446
847-328-0001 Fax: 847-328-5514
lekotek@lekotek.orgNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN
Good Toys for Blind Kids: Suggestions from Parents
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 ext: 360PARENTS MAGAZINE
(800) 727-3682
www.parentsmagazine.comNATIONAL SAFE KIDS CAMPAIGN
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 662-0600 / Fax (202) 393-2072
www.safekids.orgTOY MANUFACTURES OF AMERICA, INC
www.toy-tma.orgTHE AMERICAN TOY INSTITUTE, INC.
200 Fifth Avenue, Suite 740
New York NY 10010
affiliated with Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc.TOYS FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN & ENABLING DEVICES
385 Warburton Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
(914) 478-0960
(800) TEC-TOYS (1-800-832-8697)
www.enablingdevices.comU.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20207
(800) 638-CPSC
www.cpsc.gov
BABYCENTER STORE
www.store.babycenter.comBEAR ST. (GUND)
www.bearst.comCREATIVE KIDSTUFF
www.creativekidstuff.comCYBIKO, INC.
www.cybiko.comDUNCAN TOYS CO.
www.yo-yo.comeTOYS
www.etoys.comFAO SCHWARZ
www.faoschwarz.comGAMES FOR ALL REASONS
www.game-board.comiBABY.COM
www.ibaby.comJ.C. Penney
www.jcpenney.comK*B KIDS
www.kbkids.comKMART
www.kmart.comNETOY.COM
www.netoy.comNUTTY PUTTY
www.nuttyputty.comONLY TOYS
www.onlytoys.comRUMPUS.COM
www.rumpus.comSEARS WISH BOOK
www.wishbook.comSMARTERKIDS.COM
www.smarterkids.comTOYS R US/AMAZON.COM
www.toysrus.comWAL MART
www.walmart.comWIND-UP TOY COMPANY
www.winduptoyco.comWORLD’S BEST TOYS
www.worldsbesttoys.comWORLD OF SCIENCE
www.worldofscience.comZANY BRAINY
www.zanybrainy.com