First off I've decided to insert this post today. I think there are are great many toys that really can be classified as legitimate tools. Meaning they can be a toy and a tool at the same time without being used incorrectly. Confused yet? Baby toys are toys but they are still tools to instill visual and spacial recognition for instance. The ropes and blankets in our kids toy baskets are simply toys, but they are tools to expanding creativity. So there are toys that are valuable. The trick lies is choosing the best ones.
Keri Tibbets outlined some ideas to help you decide if something is a good toy or not.
1). Does the fun or the thrill of the play come from the child's own brain, muscles or voice box? If it's a push button toy (Buzz Lightlightyear, gameboy, etc) , it might not be the best one to have. If it requires batteries its probably not the best. If your child has to come up with the actions, the sounds, and entertainment its a better choice. She calls these plain and lifeless toys.
2).Who was the creative one, the toymaker or the child? This would include bead kids, Lincoln logs, Hot wheels tracks, Lego's, etc. Just a thought. Perhaps not having a house full of these kind of toys would be something to think about. I know we are all at different stages, don't hyperventilate. Think principles, not "Thou shalt remove all Lego's and Hot Wheels tracks from your house from this day forth." Remember seek your own personal revelation for your family. It's always good to hear other peoples ideas though.
She has some more steps but I won't get into them. These are some thoughts to get you thinking about the best toys. And remember the best toys really are tools too because they are developing your child.
May your toy selecting be a happy time.
2 comments:
I love being able to ask myself these questions, and I am teaching my children to think of them, too.
Interestingly, we recently decided to give away our plastic dolls and cradle, and replaced them with old fashioned cloth dolls (no faces), and a wooden cradle. We purchased the plastic dolls only a few days before the old fashioned ones. Guess which dolls and cradle the children play with and which one they don't touch? My children are drawn to the toys that make them the creative one, not the toymaker.
Thanks again for another great post, and for the kind ways you always present these ideas...
How funny! I am just about to write a toy post, too! :)
I love how so many of us are doing the same things at the same time... It's great.
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