The Benefits Of Educational Toys For Children

“Play is the work of childhood, ” according to Jean Piaget, a 20th century educational researcher and theorist. Piaget described four stages that children pass through as they grow. Each stage accomplishes a new skill that builds on the learning of the previous stage. These stages are the sensorimotor, the preoperational, the concreate operational and the formal operational. This article will discuss the benefits of educational toys within each stage.

The Sensorimotor Stage

The sensorimotor stage occurs from birth through the age of two years. The child progresses from the simple reflexes of a newborn, such as rooting and sucking, to the ability to think symbolically and object permanence. Toys offered during this time should be appropriate to the substage that the child is in.

Newborn babies through about four months old need simple toys, such as teething rings and other toys that are safe for the baby to put in his or her mouth. At about four months old, babies are starting to notice that things exist outside of themselves. Rattles and toys that they can shake and which give the same reproducible results each time are excellent for children of this age. By the time a child is about two years old, he or she has learned that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. At this point, stacking, pulling and other toys that allow the child to experiment with the toy to achieve different results are good choices. All of the educational toys given during the sensorimotor period should be safe for the child to explore with his or her senses.

Preoperational: Age Two To Seven Years

Children progress through the preoperational stage from ages two through seven. This is the age of magical thinking and the mastery of motor skills. Children of this age do not think logically. Educational toys suitable for this stage include blocks, dolls, dress ups and other things that stimulate the imagination. Puzzles, coloring, reading and simple math games are also appropriate for children of this stage.

The Concrete Operational Stage

From ages seven years through 12 years old, children pass through the concrete operational stage. They can use simple logic, but their thinking is still very concrete. Toys that foster imagination, work to develop critical thinking skills, such as puzzles, chess or other games, as well as toys that enhance academic skills are good choices for this age group.

Formal Operational: Age Twelve And Up

From the age of 12 onward, the child’s ability to thinking more logically develops. Children can think abstractly. More and more time will be spent on academics and less time on play. Socializing and peers will take the place of toys. Particular passions and hobbies will emerge and should be encouraged through shared or supported activities.

Educational Toys Have Lifelong Benefits

Children who have been provided with educational toys continue to reap the benefits of them well into their twenties. IQ test scores are also higher (by as much as 50 points) in children who have been provided educational toys. There are many benefits of educational toys. The child learns interpersonal skills, academic, motor and thinking skills all while having a good time. Every child deserves the advantages of playing with educational toys.

Offering the highest quality of educational toys for over 15 years, this family owned business is dedicated to delivering joy and excitement into your children’s upbringings. A wide range of safe and durable products is available, including baby toys and wooden toys.