I think it is based off of the upbringing of the child. The toys determine to be appropriate might affect a child’s movement. For instance, a boy who plays with Barbie dolls would attract other female children and start developing female characteristics. Also, playing with Barbie dolls may have the potential to cause that child’s interest to be altered. Clothing plays a major role in your life.
Toys are the tools of play. Which play materials are provided and how they are used are equally important. Adults caring for children can be reminded that toys facilitate but do not substitute for the most important aspect of nurture—warm, loving, dependable relationships. Toys should be safe, affordable, and developmentally appropriate. Children do not need expensive toys.
Social learning theory (SLT) suggests that behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of “models”. SLT explains gender role by saying children learn their gender role primarily through vicarious reinforcement. Children are positively reinforced for behaving in gender-appropriate ways (i.e. a girl playing with a doll) and are punished for behaving in gender-inappropriate ways (i.e. a boy playing with a doll).
The toys for girls are Barbie dolls, baby dolls, stuffed animals, and doll houses. These toys suggest to girls when they get older that they are supposed to take care of the children and to also clean the house while their husband is at work. These are some of the ways markets suggest to children what they are supposed to be interested in and also what they are supposed to do when they get older. As you can also see the toy that are for children are also very gender specific and vary for the boys and for the girls as
How do these theories of development influence current practice? Piaget - Adults should provide a play based curriculum and a stimulating environment through which children can construct their own knowledge and understanding. The adult should not intervene unnecessarily in children’s play as play should be child-led. * This theory influences current practice because we provide a play based curriculum which is the Early Years Foundation Stage. This covers: communication & language, physical development, and personal, social and environmental development.
I would like to have a physical connection with my baby, and also be there hand and foot when he/she needs me. Based on the baby box, what modifications might you propose for other baby apparatuses—high chairs, playpens, etc.? I would say that since the baby box was somewhat effective, they should try these same effects on the highchair and playpens etc… Being that in the highchair the child usually feds themselves but there is help from the parent. The playpen gives the child play time with themselves and their toy, but still their not cramped in a box bored. Do you think it is ethical to raise a child in a baby box?
Some toys in both the boys and girls aisles could actually be used in either gender such as Leap frog education, Little Einstein, waterproof cameras and video recorders, and even some video games. Some of the toys will help shape how both genders grow up and think about the world. A lot of kids are a product of their environment the toys they play with and the books they are taught to read. In chapter 4 of the book it talks about all the things I have been writing about in this paper. Things such as; how genders start to realize if they are boys or girls by the age of two and growing up and going through gender schemas.
Playing with the toy it helped me explore my creativity and imagination more. Some people may think that a perfect looking toy known as the Barbie may have a negative effect on some girls’ self esteem. As a young girl growing up Barbie had no impact on my self esteem. I believe that Barbie has a huge impact on my creativity and imagination. With many different styles of clothes and accessories to choose from, it gave me a chance to explore my creativity.
Other factors to consider are your child’s age, the parts of the toys, and the educational value. When selecting toys for young children, certain guidelines need to be met, so that the child is not at risk for harm in any way and so that they can learn effectively. Young children learn by putting toys in their mouths, so any toys selected for a young child to play with, must not have any small or loose parts as this can lead to choking or death. The toys should also be well made and durable so that parts do not break off. The toys need to be interesting and appealing to a young child.
Parents also give their children gender-specific toys. Common toys for boys are action figures, toy cars, and balls. Girls are frequently given dolls, tea sets, and stuffed animals. Even how children are treated is based on the child’s sex. Mothers are often stern with their daughters and easy on their sons.