“Let’s play again Mama” : The importance of play in a child’s upbringing- Part 3

by Amina Edota

Part 1
Part 2

Bismillah

Toys/ Activities to Nurture a Child’s Development 

“You are your child’s favourite toy;

You don’t need to fancy toys and there are no rules to play.”

The best and most effective toys are those that are selected based on age appropriateness and developmental levels and interests. It is important to give children toys that help them learn while having a great time. A lot of toys can be open-ended, making them usable in different ways. Educational toys will help children learn through play.

Blocks, for example, are great toys for children of all ages. Blocks made of wood are one option, but shoe boxes, cereal boxes, plastic bowls, and paper bags filled with crumpled newspaper and taped shut can also be used. These simple blocks are best for children ages two and under, while wooden unit blocks are good for ages two and up.

Engaging toys are often homemade or readily available items such as fabric and cardboard boxes-the options are practically limitless.When choosing materials for toys, it is important to consider the children’s communities and cultures as well as safety of the children.

Some of the stages of learning and some ideas for toys/activities that can help children learn in those stages are as follows:

Birth to 2 Years old

Learning & Development: Children learn mostly through exploration of their environment. The young explorers learn more about body language and gestures during this time and begin to learn how to talk.

Playtime/ Toys: Talking to them and using body language in front of them can help them learn. Toys that talk is also a great idea. Colourful toys that are easy to grasp, things they can taste, hear, smell, and touch will provide needed stimulation.

Adults also serve as play things. Finger plays, song/rhymes, mobiles, toys that make gentle noises and toys with different shapes and textures give more learning opportunities.

3 to 5 Years

Learning & Development: They use their imagination and learn through what is known as socio dramatic play. They are full of stories and experiences they can draw on. They also learn how to control movements more and how to speak even more.

Playtime/ Toys: Since imaginative play is very important, toys that help them with their imaginative play will help them to develop and learn even more.

6 to 8 Years

Learning & Development: Children usually learn more by investigation. They are ready for more formal styles of learning at this stage. They are able to learn patterns and to make decisions. They should also get involved in play that is a bit more structured, though they could still do with some socio dramatic play.

Playtime/ Toys: Toys that promote learning by investigation, such as games and puzzles can be very helpful to children of this age.

Finally

Children use their five senses to learn things. As they go through the different stages of growing up, they are learning different things at each level and in different ways. They explore, experiment, and build confidence. Play on an appropriate level allows them to learn on their own and to begin to understand many different concepts that they will end up using as they grow up.

I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post in the comments section below! 


References 
Child Education in Islam by Abd-Allah NasihUlwan
Parenting Skills Based on the Qur'an and SunnahByDr.Ekram&Dr. Mohamed RidaBeshir
The Muslim Parent's Guide to the Early Years (0-5 years) by Umm Safiyyah bint Najmaddin
Using Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development by Gabriel Guyton
http://myprservices.com/kids/educational-kids-toys-child-learn. Accessed 26/01/2013
http://www.zerotothree.org; Accessed 25/01/2013

Posted in: Amina Edota,Children,important,Life,part 3,Play.,raising children