Why is play necessary for a child's development?

September 06, 2019

We probably all remember one of the monologues from the film "The Dolls Laugh" that even brings a smile to our lips: "Why was the pre-revolutionary child underdeveloped? Because he had no toys!"

It is true that this phrase is adapted to the communist regime and directly serves ideological beliefs, but if we formulate it, we can find a small grain of truth in it - toys are essential for a child's development. Why? That is exactly what I want to talk to you about.

Toys are not just a means of entertainment. Most of them provide opportunities to learn something as well. The best toys shape a child's feelings and imagination, as well as encourage relationships with others.

Babies and toys

Babies are eager to explore the world, they have so much to learn. Every new shape, color, material, taste, and sound is a new challenge for them. If you give your child a safe toy, it will be the basis for the development of new feelings and instincts.

Some of the most popular toys for babies are sticks and musical, brightly colored toys. As they grow, babies can use toys to learn about cause and effect, consistency, and interconnectedness. They also need objects like blocks to help develop their eye-hand coordination.

Children aged 1-3 and toys

Children aged 1-3 have a wider range of toys to choose from than babies. Don't be afraid if your child starts playing with a toy from their childhood! Building blocks can help them develop new perspectives, skills, and feelings about things that they may not have thought about before.

But they need toys that are age-appropriate, like a building block. They will start to create shapes based on their imagination.

Figures of various shapes are also good, with the help of which we teach children the names of these figures (e.g. animals, birds, fruits, etc.). One of the most relevant and best toys is the so-called Lego, which develops the perception of colors and symmetry.

Preschoolers and toys

When children reach preschool age, they need to learn the alphabet and numbers, as well as develop study skills. There are many toys that help develop these skills (for example, alphabet puzzles, colorful numbers, etc.). With their help, learning is much more fun and easy. This can help prepare your child for school much more easily.

School-age child and toys

When a child reaches school age, choosing the right toys is also very important. It is necessary to engage his mind with toys that will help him learn about the environment.

In addition, in order to relax, it is necessary for the child to have an entertainment medium that is not only "saturated" with information (for example: a bicycle, children's cars , roller skates, etc.).

A child should choose toys like these based on their own taste. When they learn to use them, they will gain more confidence and self-esteem.

I think it is important for children to play with toys in groups, so that they learn to respect each other, to give in, and to have a sense of ownership, both their own and that of others. They can learn a lot from each other while playing. It is also important to play with parents, because the child will feel more secure and comfortable.

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