As parents and caregivers make their annual pilgrimage from toy store to toy store this holiday season looking for that one toy that according to their child, they must have, it is important for them to know that there is no greater gift for their child apart from themselves. The most successful toy is the one that engages parent – caregiver and child.
When considering which toy(s) to purchase, decide what you hope that toy will accomplish. Is it for entertainment only or is it to help stimulate your child’s educational development. If it is for educating, then there are basically two styles that parents/caregivers may want to take into consideration, curriculum base or cognitive base learning.
Curriculum base toys are directed towards a set of subjects, such as math, science, etc. with the objective of increasing knowledge in a specific area by presenting facts and understanding concepts. Cognitive base learning is associated with a broader variety of mental processing, such as, analyzing various sounds, images and information, comprehending information, recalling information from memory, organizing ideas and the development of various physical skills.
The objective behind early childhood education and development through the use of educational toys especially at this early age is for parents/caregivers to provide their child with a wide variety of experiences through play. In doing so the potential for them to learn and grow in areas of logic and analytic thinking as well as the development of physical skills are much more challenged and enhanced.
But no matter how good a toy may claim to be, keep in mind these two very important tips when purchasing toys this holiday season. The more informed a parent/caregiver is the more success they will have with their purchases and whatever toy you purchase, your child will benefit most with your loving, caring personal interaction with them
