Toys: A Fun Way to Learn About The World

Toys that encourage a child's cognitive, physical, or social skills help the child immensely in their developmental process. When children play with toys they not only interact with one another and develop social skills, but also make choices and solve problems. Toys that encourage cognitive development include puzzles and memory games.

Matching games, sequencing games and number games are excellent toys that encourage children to develop number sense and numeration as well as their sequencing skills. Toys that encourage scientific thought include water and sand play toys that involve the measuring, sifting and pouring of different sensory materials. Toys that encourage large muscle development include bicycles, climbers, slides, large balls and planks. Dramatic play toys such as dolls, doll furniture, doll clothing, dress up clothing and kitchenware are excellent toys that encourage a high level of imaginary play.

Different age groups play with different kinds of toys. The choice of toys changes as the child grows. Babies are eager to learn about the world around them, and they have much to learn.  Every day they come across new shapes, colors, textures, tastes and sounds. These are nothing but a learning experience for them.  Giving the baby toys that are safe and stimulating will help the baby develop its senses. Toddlers can play with a wider variety of toys as they grow up. Age appropriate toys stimulate their development rapidly. The same blocks that the child played with a year or two ago can provide them with new and different educational opportunities as the child’s knowledge expands. 

Toys are getting a lot of attention from parents who realize the importance of toys in the development of their kids. There are unlimited choices currently available in the market with toys that are meant for different age- groups. We need to be open minded when going shopping. The importance of toys is well recognized by schools too. Modern day pre-schools use these toys to help children develop their expertise. Some schools even come up with their own experimental play items for toddlers. But we should keep on checking our child's toys regularly to ensure that they are not hazardous since some plastics have been declared as hazardous and it could harm the child immensely. With all the electrical flying helicopters and zooming cars available in the market, children must be especially careful of electrical toys, because poor wiring may result in an electrical shock.