| Fond memories of childhood usually bring to mind a | | | | also laid at this time. Preschool children learn by doing. |
| favorite toy. A cuddly doll, colorful crayons, or a special | | | | They are busy developing new skills. They like drawing, |
| wagon are all childhood favorites. Toys bring a great | | | | painting, and building. They also spend a great deal of |
| deal of joy to children, but they also can be valuable | | | | time pretending. Dress-up clothes, pretend play and |
| learning tools. Exploring, pretending, and sharing are just | | | | puppets are big favorites. Preschoolers are energetic |
| a few of the important skills children develop while | | | | and active. They need large balls to roll and throw, |
| they play. Toys don't have to be expensive. | | | | wagons to pull, and tricycles to ride. |
| Cardboard boxes in the backyard and measuring cups | | | | School-age Children - At this stage child learn about |
| in the bathtub are favorite standards. But parents who | | | | getting along with others, and about the adult world of |
| do wish to purchase toys may find it helpful to know | | | | sports, games and careers. They develop intellectual |
| what toys to choose and which to avoid for children | | | | and social interests and make strong friendships, likes |
| of different ages. | | | | and dislikes. School-age children feel more grown-up |
| Infants and Toddlers - Every child is unique, has its | | | | and love activities that lead to "real products" such as |
| specific pattern of development and has different | | | | jewelry, "designer" T-shirts, or stamp collections. They |
| ways of cruising through the milestones of physical, | | | | also develop a keen interest in sports and enjoy |
| mental and social development. Infants and toddlers | | | | having adult-like physical equipment such as softball |
| learn about the world through their senses. They are | | | | gloves, tennis rackets, or skates. They have a better |
| interested in the sight, sound, smell, texture, and taste | | | | understanding of rules and enjoy playing with others. |
| of things. Objects or toys that can be squeezed, | | | | Board games, cards, or dominoes teach math |
| dropped, poked, twisted, or thrown are sure to cause | | | | concepts and problem-solving skills. |
| delight. Toddlers also enjoy any item that can be | | | | The age of your child and not the activity level, is a |
| stacked, poured, opened, closed, pushed, or pulled. | | | | primary factor in selecting an appropriate educational |
| Toys are vital for the physical and mental | | | | learning toys. Toys should not promote a single thought |
| development of your infant baby. The toys have a | | | | or concept; instead, they should enhance creativity and |
| significant bearing on your infant's personality, therefore | | | | thinking skills. Toys and games are also important for |
| must be carefully selected. | | | | the child to learn and practice logical and |
| Preschoolers - During these years, children use their | | | | problem-solving. Toys that can be played in a number |
| imagination to imitate adult activity and participate | | | | of ways serve as great educational tools and endorse |
| actively in physical games. Their physical coordination | | | | comprehensive development of your child. |
| develops, and the foundation of printing and writing is | | | | |