My theory about toys is this: it's not about what the toy can do, it's what the child can do with the toy. This is why I am way, way over toys that blink, sing, shake, sparkle, and generally act like a mental anesthesizer for the girls. I realize that a lot of research goes into toy manufacturing and marketing. However, after working with Ellie in play therapy for three months, plus everything else I've learned about early childhood in graduate work, I am convinced unless toys encourage children to ask the following questions, they need to be thrown out.
--what does it do?
--what CAN it do?
--what can I do with it? (how can I, within my power and knowledge right not, act upon this thing at this moment)
--what else can it be used for?
--if I do this to it, what happens?
--can I mimic something I already know with it? (I have found this to be true with anything that vaguely resembles a phone...if it looks like it could have a receiver and a mouthpiece, Helen is talking into it).
Right now I am into wooden toys, not for their greenness or hoity-toity "it fits into my design asthetic" ness, but because they are very "blank" for Ellie. They require her to explore and act upon them in ways a lot of toys do not. I am interested in Plan Toys especially, and am going to browse their website soon.
knit.theory Ep. 69: Self Care at the Sea
7 years ago
1 comment:
I'm right with you. Toys that do all the creative work for the child don't continue to interest or grow with the child. They get bored with the "bells and whistles" or should I say "flashes and sing-song" (and so do the parents) because all the _blanks_ have been filled in for them. More toys are bought to fill the void and soon they have overtaken the energies and space of your family. The toys turn into more of a mind numbing habit rather than a thinking and evolving kind of play. I also think that children can easily become over stimulated and it is best to let children put their own pacing and ideas into their toys and play. Here's to "play" for the children and their fantastic minds that know how to create a good time. Sometimes what they need is that "blank" canvas. And then, as a parent, the joy comes from stepping back, smiling, and watching what they make of it.
Post a Comment