The Benefits Of Educational Toys Last A Lifetime

The 20th century French educational theorist and researcher, Jean Piaget, once said that “play is the work of childhood.” In his work, he described four basic stages that every child passes through (although sometimes children with cognitive disabilities do not progress through all of them). The benefits of educational toys are significant and toys that match the developmental stage of the child put that child at a distinct advantage over his or her peers throughout the child’s life.

Sensorimotor: Newborn To 24 Months

The sensorimotor stage occurs from birth through the age of two years. The child progresses from the simple reflexes of a newborn, such as rooting and sucking, to the ability to think symbolically and object permanence. Toys offered during this time should be appropriate to the substage that the child is in.

In the early part of the sensorimotor stage, the young baby needs very simple toys that are big enough so that the child does not choke on them. At this age, everything goes into the child’s mouth. The type of toy progresses to those that have predictable and easily reproducible results. Over time, the toys will become more complex and will involve toys that the child can pull, push, manipulate and experiment on with his or her senses.

Preoperational: Age Two To Seven Years

At about the age of two through seven years old, children proceed through the preoperational stage. Children at this age cannot think logically. They do have great imaginations and magical thinking. Educational toys that allow them to try out adult roles, such as dress up clothes and toys, and use their imaginations are best for children in this stage. This is also the stage when academics enters the picture. Children need toys that develop number sense, reading and the beginnings of logical thinking, such as puzzles at this stage.

Concrete Operational

The next stage is the concrete operational stage. This stage lasts from about age seven through 12. In this stage, a child’s ability to think logically is just starting to develop. Thinking is very concrete. Providing toys that encourage the development of academic skills, critical thinking and a greater awareness of the world is essential.

Formal Operational

By the time a child is 12 years old, he or she should have the ability to think logically and abstract thinking is beginning to develop. At this time in a child’s life, the need for specific toys diminishes and is replaced with the need for social interaction with friends and pursuing hobbies. Parents and caregivers should follow the child’s interests and provide him or her with opportunities to pursue those interests. Friends, music and supervised social activities are all activities that will help the teen grow in a responsible adult.

Educational Toys Have Lifelong Benefits

Children who have been provided with educational toys continue to reap the benefits of them well into their twenties. IQ test scores are also higher (by as much as 50 points) in children who have been provided educational toys. There are many benefits of educational toys. The child learns interpersonal skills, academic, motor and thinking skills all while having a good time. Every child deserves the advantages of playing with educational toys.

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