Introduction: The toy that I selected is called the Flying Super Grover 2.0. This figure is for children between the ages of 2-5. Grover is a furry Muppet character from the famous PBS program “Sesame Street”. He is a battery operated blue plush doll made out of 100% faux fur, weighing 1.8 lbs and 16.1 x 7.8 x 5.0 inches in height (Toys R us, 2012). He is dressed in the costume of a super hero and comes to your rescue any time there is any sign of danger. Grover enhances fine motor skills as well as some cognitive development. His main features are to fly and sing theme songs. He also says small phrases, makes sound effects and moves his hands and arms in the same direction that he is flying (Walmart, 2012).
Physical/Motor Development
A. During preschool years children may learn how to successfully use their hands in physical activities. They learn how to push riding toys, catch and throw with the upper body at ages 2-3 (Berk, 2012). Children also begin galloping, skipping and walking up and down stairs between ages 3-5. As they get older at ages 4 and 5, there is also an increase of flexibility, body rotation.
B. I believe this toy is appropriate for the age range that is recommended. Grover requires a child to be able to sit upright and steadily hold their head during 6 weeks of infancy. They should be able to lift themselves up at 2 months and grasp and reach the toy between 2- 3 months. Flying Grover may also bring on some integration skills such as: running,
McNeil 2 jumping and throwing which evolves between 2-3years of age (Berk, 2012). The child does not necessarily need these skills to effectively play with the toy, but can encourage these milestones.
Perceptual Development
Even though preschoolers may have gained most of their perceptual development skills during infancy, the child’s brain is continuously growing and maturing. In order to successfully play, enjoy, and gain knowledge from
References: Berk, L. E. (2012). Childhood Development (PSU Custom Edition). Boston: Pearson. Toys R us. (2012). Flying Grover 2.0. Retrieved November 10, 2012 from http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13262390 Walmart.(2012).Flying Grover 2.0. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=grover&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=4171