Play with a Purpose: Selecting Toys that Teach
By Barbara Elleman, MHS, OTR/L, BCP
Season's change so quickly. Before you can pack away the Halloween costumes, retail stores are stocked with the sights and sounds of the holidays. Endless piles of catalogs begin to arrive in the mail. Children begin dreaming and making wishes of that perfect toy and you begin wondering which toys you will purchase for the youngsters on your list.
Play is a child's work and toys are the tools they use. Toys help children master motor skills, language, cognitive, social and emotional skills. As children play they learn how to problem solve, express creativity, expand their imagination and develop self-confidence. Parents can enhance developmental experiences of their children with careful consideration when selecting a toy.
Infants (0-12 months)
Infants are developing their senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell) and learning basic cause and effect. Choose toys that are brightly colored, non-toxic and have multi-sensory qualities. Be sure to choose toys that too large to swallow and supervise your infant. Some suggestions for this age include:
- Rattles and toys that make noise
- Stacking toys or nesting cups
- Plastic or cloth picture books
- Mobiles or activity quilts
- Musical toys
- Teething rings or blankets
- Safety mirrors
- Bath toys
- Balls or push toys
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Toddlers are active and enjoy exploring the environment around them. Choose toys that require manipulation, basic problem solving or simple make believe. Children this age will continue to put things in their mouth, therefore continue to choose toys that are too large to swallow and non-toxic. Toddlers may enjoy:
- Simple puzzles (inset puzzles such as wooden cut out shapes or figures with pegs), shape sorter, ring stacker
- Simple Musical instruments (such as a drum)
- Blocks
- Books – board books with pictures or feel and touch qualities
- Play food or utensils
- Dolls and simple doll furniture, or accessories
- Sand box
- Washable crayons or markers
- Balls
- Push and pull toys or ride on toys
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Preschoolers are developing imaginations, motor skills and learning how the world around them works. They like to problem solve situations through pretend play. Choose toys that encourage make-believe, manipulation of objects, transportation and play around other children. Some suggestions for this age include:
- Pretend food and utensils, pretend money and cash register, pretend medical set
- Dress up and accessories
- Puppets, stuffed animals or dolls
- Storybooks
- Transportation toys – i.e. wagon, shopping cart, doll stroller
- Cars, trucks or ships and accessories
- Tricycle or small bike with training wheels
- Musical instruments
- Gym sets, outdoor toys and simple sports equipment
- Toy animals, figures
- Crayons, paints, Playdoh and basic craft supplies
- Puzzles 3 to 16 pieces
- Simple board games encouraging color identification, or counting
- Toy house / village / castle etc and play sets
- Construction sets
Younger School Age (6-9 years)
Younger school aged children begin to seek out challenges with play and begin to develop some specific interests. They are developing social skills and often enjoy playing in groups. Children may have a strong preference for gender specific toys, games or playmates. Children this age may enjoy:
- Dolls or doll houses with real life accessories
- Crafts
- Science kits or materials (bug catchers, medical kits, magnets)
- Jigsaw puzzles or board games
- Story books or joke books
- Construction or building sets
- Magic sets
- Jump ropes, rollerblades, scooters or two-wheeled bikes; plus protective gear
- Cameras, clocks or watches
- Train sets, tool sets, car raceways, airplane sets
- Sports equipment
- Costumes and accessories
Older School Age (9-12 years)
Children at this age start to develop hobbies or specific life long interests and continues to enjoy play with peers. They are refining cognitive and social skills as well as using advanced physical skills for team participation. Some popular toys for children this age include:
- Craft and art supplies
- Videogames
- Sports equipment
- Advanced construction and building sets (models, rockets)
- Music or video players and accessories
- Jigsaw puzzles and card or board games
- Science kits and supplies (microscope, compass, telescope magnifying glass)
- Books (about a specific topic of interest or chapter books)
When choosing a toy for your child, consider your child's specific interests, and developmental level. Select toys that can be adaptable for different stages. Toys that are too easy will become boring. Toys that are too difficult will become frustrating. Pay close attention to age and safety recommendations from the manufacturer of the toy. Lastly, remember that the best toys are those that promote interaction and dialog between your child and others -- they will truly be the toys that teach!
