What+is+Play


 * What is play and does it affect a child's development?**

Choosing the right toy is easier than you think. It just takes a little time and a little research. Just remember the basics: understand who the toy is for, including the age and gender of the child, his or her interests, and even how the toy will be used. Some toys emphasize simple play patterns, while others stimulate a child's dexterity, thinking, social skills, or educational development. What's your goal?

Toys are for fun, but they also can play a positive role in a child's educational, social, emotional, and physical development. Some of the most widely accepted theories on childhood play habits focus on the powerful influence toys have on development skills. Play is one of the primary ways that children master new and sometimes complex skills. With toys, they can interact with objects for their own amusement while working on cognitive and motor skills, especially important in very young children and kids with some learning or physical challenges.

Toys have the potential for teaching as well. Toys that challenge children may stimulate their capacity to reason and parents should monitor the kinds of toys and images that cross their children's path. Prudent purchases and careful TV monitoring are always advised, but it is especially prudent given the preponderance of toy ads tied to children's programming.

Playing with a toy with a parent or adult helps babies interact with others and aids in language development. Babies like to play peek-a-boo with toys because they are just learning that the toys exist even when they are not seen or heard. Peer toy play by elementary school students helps them develop a mature sense of rules as well as right and wrong.

Stuffed animals can help a toddler make the transition from infant dependency on mom and dad to more independent play common in early childhood. Preschoolers can communicate problems they are having though their play with toys, even when they can't communicate them directly. Preschool children need to see that they can cause interesting things to happen when they put their mind to it, and playing with toys helps them accomplish that. Toys also empower children by permitting them to control their environment, at least temporarily. Older kids need to see that they are playing correctly and succeeding. http://www.discovergames.com/toy_tips.html



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