Young children learn best through play. In fact, the majority of a child’s early skills, both emotional and physical, are developed through their regular and spontaneous interaction with the world around them. Surrounding a child with quality learning toys gives him or her the opportunity to develop important skills while also using imagination and creativity. Many children enjoy pretending to be adults as they play-act grownup skills and responsibilities. There are many toys that provide an outlet for this imaginative play while also encouraging the life skills they imitate.
Kitchens
Most toddler and preschool play areas include a play kitchen, and it is easy to understand why. Much of family life centers around meals and food preparation. Additionally, there are many different parts of life in the kitchen that are fun for children to imitate. Chopping, stirring, moving play food from one container to another, and many more important motor skills are required in kitchen play. Play kitchens are also great learning toys because they encourage children to practice planning skills as they prepare “meals.” To increase your child’s enrichment through kitchen play, offer inexpensive measuring spoons and cups, safety items like oven mitts, and plastic bottles with caps that open in different ways.
Workbenches
Another popular toddler and preschool toy, a pretend workbench gives your child many ways to explore and affect the world. Younger children can see the effects of a plastic nail moving because of a hammer or learn about stability from stacking blocks. Older children move on to using plastic screwdrivers and wrenches, finding the correct tool for the job and using it carefully. These skills all translate to real-life applications and encourage an understanding of physical relationships as well as fine and gross motor skills. To limit your child’s frustration, be sure they have age-appropriate tools to work with. Younger children may become overwhelmed and give up with toys that require precision. And it’s important to avoid any small parts that may be choking hazards.
Cleaning Tools
What parent wouldn’t love a child who helps clean? To encourage cleanliness early, there are many learning toys that are small versions of regular cleaning supplies. These include brooms, mops, vacuums, and more. If you would prefer not to spend money on toy cleaning supplies, you can also give your child his or her own set of the supplies that you already use. A caddy full of sponges, brushes, rags, spray bottles, and gloves will help your child feel useful and included. Just be sure that you never allow your child access to any cleaning chemicals or other dangerous materials. When you tackle a cleaning project, invite your child to join you and show them how to use their tools. Before you know it, they’ll be helping out on their own.
A Wheelbarrow and Other Garden Tools
Yard work may feel like a chore to adults, but most children find it invigorating and can’t wait to help. Getting your child a wheelbarrow, spade, and gardening gloves encourages him or her to learn more about the earth. Furthermore, a child with a wheelbarrow can actually be of great assistance. If you are moving leaves, small pieces of wood, or other items from one place to another, your child will enthusiastically help you if it means using a wheelbarrow they can push. To further your child’s outdoor education, encourage him or her to garden next to you, digging holes for seeds or pulling weeds. Also, spend time commenting on the things you see and discuss the ways plants grow.
This is just a small sampling of the learning toys that encourage your child to learn and practice life skills. Other options include doll strollers, mini grocery carts, doctor kits, and many more. When searching for toys that encourage your child in these ways, consider how playing with each toy connects to their growth and development. Practice is the best learning, and practice through play is truly ideal. Are you looking for childcare in a setting that encourages imagination and learning through play? If so, please consider Legacy Academy Suwanee Dam. Call or visit today for more information.
