Toy Project - Free Essay

The use of toys is vital to child development since types of play contribute to cognitive, physical and social development. Furthermore, toys create an opportunity for parents to engage and interact with their children (Healey & Mendelsohn, 2019). However, the evolution of toys led to the development of toy safety guidelines that help to select toys that are safe for children and focus on developing specific skills. In the first part, the essay discusses safety guidelines to consider when selecting toys for children while the second part describes three toys appropriate for children aged 1-3 years.

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Part 1

When selecting toys for children, caregivers and parents should consider their developmental progress and safety. In this regard, the first factor to consider is the safety of the toys (Healey & Mendelsohn, 2019). Although toys contribute to the development of children, they pose safety issues if parents cannot select the most appropriate for different ages. For example, toys with sharp edges can injure children, or noisy toys can cause hear impairment. The second factor is selecting toys that contribute to engagement and creativity (Healey & Mendelsohn, 2019). Learning toys should encourage creativity to improve the thinking process of the children. Thirdly, parents and teachers should understand the age of children. Infants need different toys from preschoolers. Each age group requires specific types of toys.

Fourthly, parents and teachers must take into account the interests of children. For example, toddlers developing motor skills require climbing tools, while preschoolers enjoy dinosaur puzzles. Therefore, the development age defines the interest of children (Healey & Mendelsohn, 2019). The fifth consideration is assessing what the children are learning. For instance, children learning to draw may require large chunky crayons while a kindergartener requires smaller crayons since they are mastering writing. The sixth consideration is the developmental area a child requires. Parents and teachers must consider areas to develop and buy toys to improve their developmental progress.

The other element to take into account is whether the toy is open-ended. Children get easily bored; hence the need to buy toys that can be used in different ways, depending on the day and imagination of children. Additionally, cost is another factor because children require different types of toys as they grow (Parlakian, 2020). Buying an expensive toy may affect future purchase as a child grows (Guyton, 2011). Many parents have experienced about their children neglecting toys they have played with for a short period.

The tenth consideration is focusing on toys for problem-solving. Playing allows children to experience new skills as they continue practicing. Consequently, toys should help children solve problems by enhancing critical thinking (Parlakian, 2020). Examples include puzzles and shape-sorters. Also, toys should look real to help children figure out how actual objects in real world work, and this would help them to build spatial relations. The other factor is the ability of toys to make children active (Guyton, 2011). They should be interesting and encourage children to develop existing and new skills.

Also, toys for children should nurture cross-generational playing. Parents and children should buy toys that encourage socialization among different ages to enhance their development skills (Parlakian, 2020). The objective is to encourage socialization and learning from seniors to develop new skills. Additionally, toys should be large enough so that children cannot swallow them, and pose dangers. Also, it is a safety measure to ensure toys are not easily breakable to prevent swallowing (Guyton, 2011). Since children are fond of tasting everything with their mouths, toys should be strong to withstand chewing. Therefore, parents, teachers and caregivers should understand safety and developmental aspects to consider when recommending, or buying toys for children.

Part 2

The selected age for this part is children aged 3-5 years. The age group experiences tremendous learning abilities; hence the need to introduce toys that support their education. For example, toys should teach mathematics lessons and verbal communication (John, 2019). Also, safety and developmental progress is other considerations to take into account when selecting the toys. Therefore, toys selected include toy blocks, Lincoln logs, and jigsaw puzzle toys.

Wooden Block Toys

Wooden toy blocks play a significant role in improving the learning abilities of children and their quality of life. Among its manufacturers include Building Blocks for Kids. They help children with different needs, such as therapy, hearing, and communication tools. Furthermore, they help children develop motor skills, spatial reasoning, and cognitive flexibility (Dewar, 2018). Angled and rectangular blocks differ in sizes. For example, some rectangular blocks measure 3 by 4 by 5 (Dewar, 2018). Most of them are made of wood. A solution of water and vinegar is used to clean the toys or the use of non-toxic drink. They are stored in the individual labeled plastic bags under a pin. Since there are a variety of manufacturers, parents can buy them from different places, including bookshops, order online.

The toy is developmental-appropriate for this age group since it strengthens muscles and bones of the tiny fingers. Preschoolers require physical development, such as catching balls and holding crayon (PTA Community, 2019). Therefore, toy blocks promote physical development required at this age.

Educational skills children acquire include mathematical skills that many may dislike and creativity skills. They create structures from their mind; thus, enhancing their independence (PTA Community, 2019). Importantly, it enhances hand and eye coordination required for physical and emotional development. Therefore, toy blocks enhance spatial reasoning.

Toy blocks are appealing to preschoolers because they teach kids mathematical and engineering skills preparing them to attend school. They develop cognitive development by enhancing spatial reasoning and effective hand and eye coordination (PTA Community, 2019). Therefore, they promote logical thinking, preparing them to solve school problems.

Reasons parents select toy blocks for their preschoolers include the ability to offer an exceptional learning experience, such as problem-solving (PTA Community, 2019). Further, it stimulates learning in different domains, such as physical, emotional, intellectual, and language. As children grow, they learn to build complex structures with the blocs.

I would select the toy because of its ability to develop mathematical skills. Although the blocks develop learning in different domains, it is a tool to pre-determine the mathematical performance of children in school. Preschoolers playing with blocks perform better in schools (PennyState Extension, 2010). Therefore, the toy is appropriate for this age group.

Block toys are safe for preschoolers but pose hazards to children below 3 years. It is because they taste everything with their mouth. Further, they are made of non-toxic and non-flammable materials to enhance safety (PennyState Extension, 2010). However, parents should buy big-sized block toys to minimize the chances of swallowing.

Hazards of wooden block toys include splinters if the manufacturers did not furnish them properly and cut from broken edges. Furthermore, they pose a choking hazard if children bite them (Dewar, 2018). To prevent these hazards, parents should read safety instructions and select the right sizes for their children. They should guide their children on how to use the toys correctly.

Lincoln Wooden Logs

A Lincoln wooden log is another toy for preschoolers. Even parents can engage their children in playing with the toys. The logs are linked together to allow preschoolers to build different structures, such as bridges, houses and cities (Toy Hall of Fame, 2009). It is an open-end toy that allows children to use them for different purposes and come up with different designs. Different manufacturers of the toy include K’NEX Industries Inc, and Pride manufacturing Company.

The toy is appropriate for this age group since it is safe and helps kids to develop fine motor skills. Secondly, the toy is education since it enables children to develop a focus when doing something, as well as develop problem-solving skills (Cox, 2014). Therefore, it helps children to develop skills on how to handle real-life situations.

By using Lincoln wooden logs, children develop hand and eye coordination, as well as the application of critical thinking skills to solve mathematical problems (Cox, 2014). Also, they support critical areas of development, such as cognitive and acquisition of social skills. They make the learning experience enjoyable.

The toy is appealing to this stage since it supports creativity because children must link the logs to create a structure (CNBC, 2014). They share ideas and skills to create a structure. In the process, it helps to develop social skills they require to get on well with others in school (Cox, 2014). Furthermore, the toy helps them to develop a longer attention span.

Parents should consider selecting Lincoln logs since they not only promote fun when playing but also develop problem-solving skills (Cox, 2014). Also, they are open-ended; thus, reduces the cost of buying different toys. Importantly, they promote hand and eye coordination and this promotes physical development.

One reason for selecting Lincoln logs is that they are safe for children aged 3 to 5 years. It is because they are made of wood and labeled correctly. Although they are made of wood, children can occasionally chew them, increasing the risk of swallowing (Toy Hall of Fame, 2009). Therefore, parents should guide their kids when playing with Lincoln logs.

Lincoln wooden logs are made of wooden as a safety measure for children. They are made of different sizes to ensure appropriateness to each group of children (Toy Hall of Fame, 2009). However, parents should ensure they buy toys that met safety standards for their children.

Finally, hazards of Lincoln logs include chocking for children below three years. It is because they contain parts that may cause health issues to children below three years (Toy Hall of Fame, 2009). However, they are non-toxic; hence, safe for preschoolers.

Jigsaw Puzzle Toys

On the other hand, different manufacturers make puzzle games for children. Parents can buy them from supermarkets, bookstores, or order directly from distributors. Age 3-5 children should play with 20-40 pieces since they will build levels that enhance coordination with different situations (John, 2019). Manufacturers use different materials, such as wood, paper, clay, and plastics to make the toys. Luckily, manufacturers coat puzzles with finishing for easy wiping using a soft material. The prices of puzzle games differ according to the sellers and places of shopping but they range around US $11.

Jigsaw puzzle toys enhance fine motor development since they help children coordinate small muscles in children. Stable fine motor skills write easily and can play instruments. Further, it improves physical development enhancing hand and eye coordination (Orchard Toys, 2015). Further, it allows children to develop their decision-making skills.

From the educational point of view, the jigsaw puzzle toy prepares children to solve mathematical problems. It develops their knowledge through subliminal learning (Orchard Toys, 2015). Parents should identify areas of development, such as shapes and colors to develop knowledge of their children. Consequently, it prepares them to join schools.