Greenville: 864-244-3474 | Spartanburg: 864-576-7188

logologologologo
  • Locations
    • Schools
    • Clinic
  • Services
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Milestones
    • Speech and Language Development
    • Motor Skills
    • Sensory Development
  • Team
  • Careers
  • Resources
    • Continuing Education
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Locations
    • Schools
    • Clinic
  • Services
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Milestones
    • Speech and Language Development
    • Motor Skills
    • Sensory Development
  • Team
  • Careers
  • Resources
    • Continuing Education
    • Blog
  • Contact Us

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -Fred Rogers

Play is an essential part of early learning. As children play, they are developing important cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills they will use as they grow into successful adults.

As they play, children are allowed to explore their interest and passions, which can build on goals and provide direction for the future.

Playing involves higher-order thinking skills, such as problem solving. Meanwhile, children are also learning how to process and display emotions, ideas, and vocabulary as they interact with others.

Fine and gross motor skills can also be strengthened, too, depending on the type of play and the materials used.

Toys are tools

Toys are important tools to a child’s “work.” Choosing toys that match a child’s development and interest are important, and also provide opportunities for a child to build on skills and expand their creativity.

Christmas and birthdays are great opportunities to add “just right” toys to your child’s collection.

So where do you start? Use this checklist for future birthday and Christmas presents. It was developed by occupational therapy practitioners to assist you in selecting toys that can help your child learn and develop, all while having fun!

Inexpensive options

Some non-conventional items that foster play and creativity are:

  • muffin tins with random things to sort such as buttons, cotton balls, marbles, coins, etc.
  • Pipe cleaners
  • package of cups for stacking and building
  • Loose game items, construction paper, index cards and markers for creating their own game!
  • small cookie sheet with magnets or old business card magnets cut into 5-8 pieces to make homemade puzzles!

So let’s get serious about playing!

This blog appears courtesy of Sprout Pediatrics. Would you like to talk with our experts about your child’s development? Reach out to us at our website. 

Sarah Emory
Previous PostAge-appropriate awesomeness: Great toys for C...
Next PostPicky eating and other holiday food challenge...
Recent Posts
  • Ready for SCSHA? See and Shop in the Holy City!
  • Ready for SCSHA? Let’s relax in the Holy City!
  • Ready for SCSHA? Let’s eat in the Holy City!
  • Annual MTSKids Christmas Ideas
  • Ready for ASHA? Try these places for a great local experience!
Recent Comments
    Archives
    • December 2022
    • November 2022
    • October 2022
    • March 2022
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • July 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • November 2015
    • September 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • June 2014
    • May 2014
    Categories
    • MTS Kids
    Meta
    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org

    Copyright 2023 MTS KIDS. All rights reserved. A Neue South Co. Project | Website Designed By: Arrowhead Design Group. | Photography by: Clint Davis