“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.