Jean Piaget was a 20th
century educational theorist and researcher who has had a significant impact on
the way we understand children. He once said that "play is the work of
childhood." He developed the idea that children pass through four distinct
stages as they grow from infants into adults. We will discuss these stages and
the overall benefits of educational toys in this article.
Sensorimotor
The first stage that a
child goes through is the sensorimotor stage. This stage lasts from birth until
about 24 months of age. In this stage, the child moves from the reflexes of an
infant to the understanding that objects remain even when they are out of sight
and the ability to think symbolically. At each point along the way, the toys
given to a child must be appropriate for the substage that the child is
progressing through.
Newborns and young
babies need toys that they can explore safely with their mouths. Throughout the
sensorimotor stage, the primary means of learning takes place through the
child's senses. As babies get older toys that yield predictable results, such
as a rattle, are important. Eventually, the young toddler will do experiments
with the toys to see what kinds of results he or she can get with them.
Stacking toys, toys that show causes and effect, toys that children can
manipulate are all suitable for children of this stage.
Preoperational
At about the age of
two through seven years old, children proceed through the preoperational stage.
Children at this age cannot think logically. They do have great imaginations
and magical thinking. Toys that allow them to try out adult roles, such as
dress up clothes and toys, and use their imaginations are best for children in
this stage. This is also the stage when academics enters the picture. Children
need toys that develop number sense, reading and the beginnings of logical
thinking, such as puzzles at this stage.
Concrete
Operational
The next stage is the
concrete operational stage. This stage lasts from about age seven through 12.
In this stage, a child's ability to think logically is just starting to
develop. Thinking is very concrete. Providing toys that encourage the
development of academic skills, critical thinking and a greater awareness of
the world is essential.
Formal
Operational
Throughout the teen
years and into adulthood, the child's ability to think abstractly develops.
Less time is spent on playing with toys and more time is devoted to specific
hobbies and interests, as well as socializing and friends. Hobbies and other
interests should be encouraged by providing the child with experiential
activities and opportunities to include his or her friends, when possible.
Short-
And Long-Term Effects
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.
I think such kind of toys are most appropriate for kids. All the kids will probably learn and have fun with these kind of toys. I will consider all the suggested toys and buy them for my son too.
ReplyDeletetoys come to life