Many parents fear that giving toys to their children is spoiling them but it has been proven many times that play contributes directly to a child’s education and development. The important thing is to give them the right toys that stimulate and prolong play and learning.
If children are to discover what they are good at, what they like, and what they are like, then they will need variety in their play, and a broad assortment of toys to make it possible.
Poppet Post does research on all of our toys to ensure that they are suitable for the age we are providing them for and which skills they will help develop. Variety is key! and we aim to give you unique and different toys each month.
Fun Fact #1: In one study the availability of toys in infancy was related to the child’s IQ at 3 years of age
The below list is a guideline of what types of toys develop the different skill sets.
Fine Motor Skills / Hand Eye Coordination:
- Lacing
- Beading
- Puzzles
- Arts and crafts
Large Motor Skills (fitness & balance)
- Pool toys
- Balls/outside games
- Gardening sets
- Baking sets
Language Skills:
- Talking toys
- Sound puzzles
- Matching words and object games
- Books, activity books
Fun Fact #2: A review of more than 40 studies concludes that play enhances early development by at least 33%
Cognitive Skills (thinking through problems):
- Sorting, sequencing, counting , memory, puzzling games
- Bead mazes
- Stacking toys
- Puzzles
- Construction sets
Imagination Skills (pretend play)
- Dress up
- Finger puppets
- Props (kitchens, trolleys, dolls)
Artistic Skills (arts and crafts)
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sand art
- Art and craft activities (see our pinterest page for ideas!)
Emotional Skills:
- Group play
- Stickers
- Dolls
- Dress up sets
- Books
Auditory Skills:
- Musical instruments
- Sound enhanced puzzles
- Listening games
- Co-operative games
Fun Fact #3: Children play longer and learn more when a wide variety of toys are available
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