Children are drawn towards toys. If they are none available, they will make them themselves. Toys are important and have a role to play in a child’s development. They are simple objects which kids employ to entertain themselves whilst exploring the world, educating themselves, learning to express emotions, and also role-playing.
The following aims to explain the importance of different toys:
Allow creativity and imagination to occur
Open-ended toys are able to do this. These are toys which are able to be played in different ways. They allow a kid’s brain to expand and lets them think in narratives. The child can then view the world more broadly. It is vital to nurture creativity and it aids kids in thinking outside the box.
Toys that are able to do this include blocks, dolls, pretend food, animal toys, mini-cars, and balls. Children will begin creating stories and also living out scenarios in the mind when they get these toys.
Objects that are not toys can be used in this way as well like a stick, rock, box, etc.
Kids can learn about STEAM
It is important to know that children have brains that are like sponges. They tend to be inputting details from their surroundings at all times. Toys let kids explore science, technology, engineering, art, as well as mathematics. Simple and complex toys both are able to teach kids a lesson.
For example, when a child builds a tower using block then watches this fall down, physics is being learnt. When a kid views a remote control car that bounces around simply from radio waves of a controller, they think about how this works. A puzzle can stimulate a child’s brain as well as help them explore different patterns.
Kids are able to learn much via creative play as it is said to be engaging to the senses.
Help in refining motor development
At the time that a child grasps some toy then learns to manipulate it, their motor skills are being used. They will become more adept at vital hand/eye coordination. It helps them advance through the different stages of physical development.
Those toys that are able to be pushed, pulled, grabbed, turned, etc. which lets kids use their hands as well as body to let it do something, help in the child’s growth.
When it comes to small toys, like dolls, cars, blocks which fit in the child’s hands, these are popular as they are simple to hold and carry. Employing the hands to position the toys and stuff them in the pocket gives children ultimate control. For example, LEGO minifigures can be important here.
The smaller details that are found on toys, like buttons, zippers, beads, let kids practice fine motor details.
The larger toys like a beach ball, bike, etc. help kids develop physically.
It is important to choose those toys that are best for your child’s age. You need to remember that a child may become overwhelmed with too many toys. It is better to get fewer toys which the child may do more with instead of more toys which they just collect and create a clutter with.