Toy Selecting for Children
Guidelines for selecting toys for Young Children
Age Recommendations: Most packages have a recommened age range, this however is only a suggested range based on average child development. Use this information as a general guide for narrowing down toy options. Use your knowledge of the child's individual skills and development to determine if the child would fall into that recommened age group. Read any printed warnings on safety precautions that are also listed on the package to determine if there is an additional risk that would make the toy inappropriate for a young child.
Parts: The parts of a toy are a major factor when buying for young children. Toddlers
and preschoolers even put objects in their mouth if the piece is small enough. A simple
test is to drop the small parts through a paper towel tube, if the toy fits through the
tube it is too dangerous for young children. Inspect all components of the toy to
determine if it contains small parts that could present a choking risk. Toys often come
with small accessories to go with the main item that can be too small in size, this
is something to look out for. Always look at the qaulity of the toy construction,
especially when the toy has smaller parts attached to it. Poor construction can
increase the risk of a small part popping off while the child is playing.
Educational Value: Toys bring enjoyment to children, but they also can provide
educational value for a young child. Choose toys that allow children to practice
developmental skills that they are currently working on. Examples are: if a three year
old child is learning to reconize letters consider letter blocks or for numbers a electronic
preschool toy that features numbers would be great. For children who need practice
with motor skills, choose toys that require small movements and control, such as blocks
that click together or a set of stacking cups. Visualize how the
Age Recommendations: Most packages have a recommened age range, this however is only a suggested range based on average child development. Use this information as a general guide for narrowing down toy options. Use your knowledge of the child's individual skills and development to determine if the child would fall into that recommened age group. Read any printed warnings on safety precautions that are also listed on the package to determine if there is an additional risk that would make the toy inappropriate for a young child.
Parts: The parts of a toy are a major factor when buying for young children. Toddlers
and preschoolers even put objects in their mouth if the piece is small enough. A simple
test is to drop the small parts through a paper towel tube, if the toy fits through the
tube it is too dangerous for young children. Inspect all components of the toy to
determine if it contains small parts that could present a choking risk. Toys often come
with small accessories to go with the main item that can be too small in size, this
is something to look out for. Always look at the qaulity of the toy construction,
especially when the toy has smaller parts attached to it. Poor construction can
increase the risk of a small part popping off while the child is playing.
Educational Value: Toys bring enjoyment to children, but they also can provide
educational value for a young child. Choose toys that allow children to practice
developmental skills that they are currently working on. Examples are: if a three year
old child is learning to reconize letters consider letter blocks or for numbers a electronic
preschool toy that features numbers would be great. For children who need practice
with motor skills, choose toys that require small movements and control, such as blocks
that click together or a set of stacking cups. Visualize how the