One thing that is often overlooked when buying gifts for young children is what kind of play can result from the toy? For example if the toy makes sounds when your child pushes the button, or moves a specific way it may seem fun and engaging at the time. These types of active toys are considered closed-ended, toy-directed play and they make your child a passive player.
You want to find toys that “don’t do anything”! This might sound like a boring choice with no sounds, no lights and no action, but toys like these have endless possibilities. The more passive the toy, the more active your child will become while playing with it! Imagine how exciting the play will be for your child when he is in control of the play and can create whatever comes to mind!
These types of toys are called open-ended and they are all about your child’s imagination, creativity and social interaction with others while playing. Some of the best open-ended toy materials are recycled items found in your own home. Cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, fabric pieces and different sizes of plastic bottles make fantastic play opportunities. You can add to the list blankets, pillows and other household items that can enrich the play even further, making it more complex and interactive. Other wonderful ideas are Legos, blocks, Lincoln Logs, and other toys that have no boundaries.
Your child will have a powerful learning experience, as there are no rules, no pressure and no expectations! They are making the play as it goes and it is time to play freely and discover what works and what does not! This builds self-confidence and it is about learning to problem-solve and work together if they are with another person. It is also about fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, physics, and science skills. Imagine the freedom your child will have when there are no errors and they are in control while testing their own limits! When something does not work they stop and then try something else. The satisfaction and self esteem building of figuring it out and the end result can be different every time.
The best part is that you can join your child in the play and share your creativity together! It is a joyful bonding time to work together and see where your imagination will take you!
Open-ended toys truly are the gifts that keep on giving.
Creative Years Infant Center and Preschool has been serving families in SCV for over 35 years. Call to schedule a tour at 661-254-0718 or visit our web site for a virtual tour and more information www.creativeyears.com. You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/creativeyears.