The Effects of Toys on Child Development
Jennifer Flint
Ms. Lilly
English 1301
6 March 2012
The Effect of Toys on Child Development The types of toys children play with can affect how they develop. Toys can help or hinder a child’s development in intelligence, social skills and personality. Certain characteristics may be genetically entwined in a human being, but some characteristics and behaviors can be learned, from parents, surroundings, and the toys with which a youngster plays. Elise Moore, author of “How Do Toys Aid Development”, stated “if play is the work of the child, toys are the child’s tools” (Moore, 2). Children develop in many ways including through physical activity, mental activity and interaction with others (Roode, 1). According to a January 2007 clinical report in the journal “Pediatrics,” “play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and adolescents (Moore, 1). The free time while children play is not only shortened due to our society’s rush lifestyle and time schedules, but the importance of playtime is often neglected. Play time can help children figure out how things work, develop new ideas, encourage the development of muscle and motor control, use their minds, and learn to communicate with others (Moore, 2). Different types of learning exist in order to encourage development in the child. One family oriented website, Family Education, “suggests numerous types of learning that children can acquire from different toys”:
Art materials foster creativity and appreciation of beauty. Hardwood blocks teach children about geometry, shapes, balance and of course gravity when the towers come crashing down. Experimental materials like sand, water and clay offer the child control as she shapes and distributes the materials, and appeals to her senses. Outdoor play equipment builds muscles and confidence that the child can meet physical challenges. Pretend play with dolls and stuffed animals is not only imaginative but also allows the child to try
Ms. Lilly
English 1301
6 March 2012
The Effect of Toys on Child Development The types of toys children play with can affect how they develop. Toys can help or hinder a child’s development in intelligence, social skills and personality. Certain characteristics may be genetically entwined in a human being, but some characteristics and behaviors can be learned, from parents, surroundings, and the toys with which a youngster plays. Elise Moore, author of “How Do Toys Aid Development”, stated “if play is the work of the child, toys are the child’s tools” (Moore, 2). Children develop in many ways including through physical activity, mental activity and interaction with others (Roode, 1). According to a January 2007 clinical report in the journal “Pediatrics,” “play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and adolescents (Moore, 1). The free time while children play is not only shortened due to our society’s rush lifestyle and time schedules, but the importance of playtime is often neglected. Play time can help children figure out how things work, develop new ideas, encourage the development of muscle and motor control, use their minds, and learn to communicate with others (Moore, 2). Different types of learning exist in order to encourage development in the child. One family oriented website, Family Education, “suggests numerous types of learning that children can acquire from different toys”:
Art materials foster creativity and appreciation of beauty. Hardwood blocks teach children about geometry, shapes, balance and of course gravity when the towers come crashing down. Experimental materials like sand, water and clay offer the child control as she shapes and distributes the materials, and appeals to her senses. Outdoor play equipment builds muscles and confidence that the child can meet physical challenges. Pretend play with dolls and stuffed animals is not only imaginative but also allows the child to try
Cited: Abdulaeva, E. A., and E. O. Smirnova. "The Role of Dynamic Toys in Child 's Development." Psychological Science & Education 2 (2011): 30-38. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. Moore, Elise. “How Do Toys Aid Development.” Family. eHow, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2012. Paul, Pamela. "Want A Brainier Baby?" Time 167.3 (2006): 104-109. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. Roode, Amy. “Child Development and Toys.” The New Parent’s Guide. N.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2012. Sokolova, M. V. "Modern Cartoon Characters in Children Play and Toys." Psychological Science & Education 2 (2011): 49-54. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2012.