Developmentally Appropriate Toys

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“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” (Plato). It is for this reason, that young children need play. It is the obligation of every teacher of young children to choose toys that are appropriate and engaging for the child. Toys must be safe, clean and preferably, open- ended. With these things in mind, a toy can be influential in the development of the child. According to the NAEYC website, safe toys for young children are; “well made, (with no shared parts or splinters and do not pinch), painted with non-toxic, lead free paint, shatter-proof and easily cleaned. Electronic toys should be ‘UL approved.” There are additional guidelines for children under 3 years of age. Finally, teachers should be aware of wear and tear on toys and should check them often for loose parts and safety. It is also essential to keep toys cleaned regularly and teachers should be aware of updated recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Website. It is important to consider the child’s age and development. It is often the unusual, household items that can be surprisingly appropriate and free to families and teachers, such as cups, bowls, silverware, boxes, old lids, socks and even wash cloths. It is important to consider the educational value of a toy. Toys should challenge the child. A developmentally appropriate toy will teach emotionally, physically, and/or intellectually. Three toys that would be developmentally appropriate for children from 3-5 years of age would be unit blocks, playdough and balls. All of these toys provide preschoolers with opportunities for experimentation and exploration. Let’s take a closer look at each of the
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