Children’s toys - By: Anne Watson

Children of all ages need to have direct experience with the world in order to make sense of and learn about it constantly. They learn how to talk, sit up, walk, and run. They learn what things are and how they work. They learn about people and the world. They learn all of these things by playing with toys.

For example, babies are not born knowing about gravity or anything for that matter. They do not know that anything dropped will fall to the floor. They learn this, by playing with toys. Infants may accidentally let go of a rattle and notice that it falls to the floor. When you give it back, they may deliberately drop it to see if it falls again. Soon everything in their grasp becomes a toy for dropping - bottles, spoons, balls, and even bowls of food. They practice this experiment and play this game with everything they touch. They understand about gravity because they have actually experienced it with their toys. They may not know what the words are but they definitely know upon releasing it that it will fall to the ground.

Toys are important for other reasons, too. Children exercise their muscles with toys. Next time you see children rocking horses or riding bikes, notice the muscles they are using. Think of the co-ordination and balance they practice when they climb to the top of the jungle gym or the muscle control they develop when they put one more block on the tower without it falling down. All these necessary skills are developed easily through toys instead of having to train them, it is normal for any child to self develop by playing.

Toys also invite children to create and use their imaginations. Give an empty cardboard box to a child and watch all the things it becomes - a train, house, or cage at the zoo. Children gain self-confidence as they play with toys. As children master their toys - as they finish a puzzle, or blow a bubble - they develop a sense of power. They say, "I can do this. Look at me." It is important to recognize their accomplishments. When an adult pays attention to children's play, they feel worthwhile and gain self-confidence. Their self-concepts grow stronger. Therefore the importance of a child’s toy should never be underestimated and the damage you could cause by depriving a child from his or her toy can be great.

Along with building self-esteem, toys can be the basis for friendships. Some toys only work when children cooperate. Projects like building sand castles go faster with friends. Children often talk more easily to one another over toys. Playing with toys in a group helps children discover how others think and feel and what brings approval or disapproval. They learn what happens when they share the truck they are playing with or when they refuse to share and the truck is taken from them.

About the Author

To find toys at reasonable rates visit http://www.crafts4kids.co.uk/

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Anne-Watson/93506

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