|
Toddler
Toys for Christmas
by Kim Draper
It's that wonderful time of the year,
the holiday season. Children are excited with visions of Santa,
and presents under the tree. You have made your list, and are ready
to explore the stores. But what exactly do you get a toddler for
Christmas? "This shouldn't be that hard," you think to
yourself. You have no trouble picking out their new clothes and
shoes, because these should be made to help, not hinder, the child's
active little body. The same should be said for the toys that you
buy. You have the chance to purchase just the right toys to help
them on their way to learning and having fun.
PLAY
One of the most important things that
a child does is play. Play is the essential joy of childhood, and
is also the way children learn about themselves, their environment
and the people around them. As they play, children learn to solve
problems, get along with other people and control their bodies as
they enrich their creativity. When children play with a wide variety
of toys, the experiences help them develop their fullest potential.
TODDLERS
One to Three Years
A busy toddler needs toys for active
physical play -- especially things to ride and climb on, such as
a low tricycle or a wagon to ride in and pull. Outdoor toys, such
as large balls, inflatable toys, a wading pool and a sandbox with
digging tools are all good choices.
Toddlers begin to enjoy make-believe
play just before their second birthdays. To imitate the adult world
around them, they use play food, appliances and utensils, child
size play furniture, simple dress-up clothes, and dolls. Children
in this age group are particularly interested in sorting and fitting
toys, all kinds of blocks and simple puzzles. Toddlers also enjoy
musical instruments such as tambourines, toy pianos, horns and drums,
as well as listening to tapes. I know you say, "Drums and toy
pianos? What is she asking of me?" But, they really do help
the toddler to develop their hand-to-eye coordination. Who knows?
You might have another Beethoven in the making.
Remember a toddler moves busily within
his or her environment, walking, climbing, pushing, and riding,
a list of the toys below will be a great start to a wonderful future.
TOY SUGGESTIONS
Push and Pull Toys
Small tricycle (ones without the pedals)
Wagon
Balls over 1.75 inches in diameter
Simple puzzles
Blocks
Pegboards
Crayons or Washable Markers
Modeling Clay
Picture Books
Tape Player
|
