- Prepare your child for a new toy by describing different features as you and your child explore it, hand over hand—what it feels/sounds like, what to do to make it “work”, and what happens.
- Start with “single action” toys to develop your child’s understanding of cause/effect relationships—“When I push here, the block goes down the chute.”
- To minimize distractions, give your child only one or two toys at a time to play with. Simplify further by placing the toy on a solid-color cloth or blanket.
- If a toy has several pieces (e.g., a puzzle), lay them all out on the cloth.
- Provide lots of opportunities to practice.
- Show your child different ways to use a toy—there is no one “right” way!
Toys/Features to Look For
- Toys with single and then multiple control areas
- Features or toy areas that make the toy work are highlighted and obvious
- Toys of simple design with high-contrast colors and relevant reactions
- Toys with consistent reactions, and reactions that continue after the initial activation
- Toys that “label” words, pictures and objects
- Toys with realistic sounds and figures
Play Stages
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Experience Stage: Using senses to explore a toy
Simple toys are often the best and promote lots of active play. The rings’ bright colors, shiny reflections and swirling beads will draw your child’s attention. They are easy to grab, hold and explore one at a time or together. They provide many opportunities for open-ended play, from peek-a-boo to dress-up bracelets to pretend doughnuts!
Click here to find out what you can do to help your child play and learn with this toy.
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Discovery Stage: The toy guides your child's play
There’s more than one way to play with this toy—and no batteries are needed! Sometimes, having your child “in control” of creating the sounds all by herself is best. Simply pressing the rounded key-ends with a finger or banging on the keys with the “bone” will produce musical sounds. You can also take the puppy for a walk by pulling the bone.
Click here to find out what you can do to help your child play and learn with this toy.
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Expanding Imagination Stage: Finding even more ways to play with a toy
This large train set will grow with your child as it provides many opportunities to discover. The controller is sure to maintain your child’s attention as he makes the train stop and go with accompanying realistic “engine sounds.” He’ll soon find out he can move the train by simply pushing it around the track.
Click here to find out what you can do to help your child play and learn with this toy.
