Child Development And Toys

It is no secret that there are certain toys that should be used at specific ages. Many of these toys are designed for certain age groups based on safety concerns. However, many others are designed to specifically encourage the development of a child. Studies indicate that children develop and reach certain milestones at various age levels. The toys for these ages are built to help the child in developing these skills. Parents should look for toys that are within the child’s age range but they should also look at the skill level of the child before purchasing a toy.

Children from birth through six months of age have certain developmental milestones that should be met. Physically, their eyesight matures, they start to vocalize, they are learning to grasp objects and they are learning to use their muscles. Infants also start to recognize faces, mimic their expressions and favor particular people. They start to want attention from people and begin the early stages of socialization.

Toys for this age group are designed to enhance and encourage these traits. Toys should be for seeing, hearing and touching at this point. This will encourage the child to respond to the sights and sounds they hear. Mirrors that are safety oriented are great toys at this time. The baby can look at himself and mimic his expressions. Toys in monochromatic and bright colors will stimulate eyesight at this time. Also toys that have varying textures will help the child with tactile sensations. At this time toys that a child can shake, put in his mouth and touch are ideal.

For children from approximately seven to twelve months of age, they are starting to crawl and possibly walk. Their motor skills are getting refined. They enjoy playing games that show objects appear and reappear as well as simple mechanics such as open and shut. Picture books are more of an interest at this stage as well. They are more social beings and may begin to be wary of strangers.

Toys that the child can throw and drop are ideal at this time. Also, toys with compartments that they can open and shut or slide as well as stack are perfect to help children hone these skills. Toys with bells or slots that they can push to get a reaction will delight the child and they will learn simple cause and effect. Larger objects they can crank, pull and turn are perfect for this age. Picture books they can touch and feel and pop up are great too. This will begin a solid foundation in reading and will instill an interest in books.

Toddlers who are one year to two years old are developing their physical and social skills even more. During this time, parents will see rapid advances and it is usually a very fun time to watch children. They are learning to manipulate smaller objects and are more interested in effects of their manipulations. They are starting to build things now and have started an artistic sense. They will begin drawing and building things as well as playing in sand and water.

Toys for this age group should include building materials such as blocks and connecting blocks. Pool toys and learning to swim are also great toys. Art supplies like clay, paint, colors and markers will help the child express through art. Toys that stack and string are also great to help hone fine motor skills. Near the end of the first year, a child should be able to string beads and blocks, stack blocks and fit objects into appropriate sized holes.

As a child turns two years of age, they start to hone their larger muscle groups, jumping, running and hanging. They will start to count and speak more clearly and will be able to grasp simple concepts of size and fit. Their imagination will develop greatly at this age as well. Children at this age start to explore their independence and like to do things on their own. Children will also start to play with others and learn social skills.

Toys that have movement and sound and allow the child to throw and drop them are ideal. Outdoor toys such as balls and play equipment will help refine their physical strengths. Monkey bars and swing sets are perfect for accomplishing this. Wagons, tricycles and toys that show adult tasks like vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers will please the child. Continuing art work will help hone the imagination. Books are also of greater interest at this age and children enjoy hearing and contributing to stories.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

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