| Picking a Toy to Promote Child Development | | | | charge of what to do. |
| (Chicago, IL) Stuffed animals that teach Spanish? | | | | When picking your child's next toy, look for more than |
| Electronic pencils that correct spelling mistakes? Video | | | | the flashy lights and high-tech features. Most |
| gaming systems that teach addition and subtraction? | | | | importantly, find a developmentally appropriate toy or |
| What can be next? Magic paper that drafts essays | | | | activity which actively engages your child. This means |
| on its own? | | | | limiting toys that only require a child to sit and follow |
| With new high-tech toys and gadgets introduced | | | | one set of pre-determined instructions. Instead, look for |
| nearly everyday, it's hard for parents to keep up. Toys | | | | toys that promote child-centered play where creativity |
| claiming to be "educational" promise to do everything | | | | and imagination are encouraged. For example, why not |
| from boost a child's IQ to teach a new language. | | | | design and build a bridge for a train to cross? Toys |
| However, electronic toys with fancy buttons, shiny | | | | that provide opportunities for parents and children to |
| lights and catchy tunes, often do not deliver on these | | | | play together are even better for promoting positive |
| promises. | | | | interaction. Spending even 10 minutes with your child in |
| Research shows that children learn best through play, | | | | free play is priceless. Also, check out toys that teach |
| especially when parents provide them with | | | | life skills like teamwork and problem-solving. Finally, |
| opportunities to explore, use their imaginations and | | | | select toys that build on your child's interests. For |
| problem solve on their own (2007, Temple University | | | | instance, why not give your budding scientist a |
| Infant Lab). In fact, many educators believe that | | | | magnifying glass and beakers for conducting your own |
| children still learn best with the same basic toys and | | | | science experiments together? |
| educational supplies we grew up with. For example, a | | | | While there are some fun high-tech toys for your child, |
| simple pack of crayons, scissors and craft supplies | | | | don't discount the value in toys that have been around |
| can keep a child busy while teaching hand-eye | | | | for years like dolls, cars, wooden blocks, crayons, and |
| coordination and encouraging creativity. Similarly, while | | | | craft beads. Next time your child asks for the latest |
| building blocks are simple, they provide countless | | | | must-have, take out some tried and true classics and |
| opportunities for open-ended play where your child is in | | | | spend an afternoon playing together instead. |