Posts Tagged ‘Children’

Choosing a Toy For Autistic Children

Thursday, February 4th, 2010


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Anyone shopping for a child knows it is hard to find something that the child will love and that the parents won’t mind having in their home. However, when it comes to buying a toy for autistic children, it is so much harder to make the right choice. One of the most important thing anyone searching for the right toy should remember is that the age listings on games and toys are a guideline, but they are rarely right for children with autism. If you aren’t sure about what age group that child might fall into on a developmental level, you should be sure to ask the parents. As long as you keep that information in mind, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding something that works, but there are other things to keep in mind as well.

When looking at toys, you have to consider quite a few things. The parents will appreciate that you put thought into what to buy. Some children with autism will rip just about anything that is made of paper, so you may not want to buy anything that could easily be shredded. Look for toys that are very sturdy and will take some rough play. Also, some children don’t work well with toys that have a lot of pieces. If you can find something that has one or two parts for children such as these, you have found something suitable. Also, small pieces can be choking hazards for many children, so ask before buying anything with small, removable pieces.

Many autistic children love to play alone. This is not always the case, but it is for the majority. It might depend on the developmental level of the child, but even some high functioning children prefer to play alone. If you can find something they can do on their own without having to have more than one player, or without having an adult assist them, you may have found a great toy for them. Toys that have repetitive motions and actions might also be a hit, as some autistic children get caught up in that sort of play. The suitability of bright colors or vivid textures can depend on the child as some have an aversion to certain things. Ask the parents for guidance.

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When it comes to children who are higher functioning, there are some great educational toys out there. When you buy a toy for autistic kids who are learning things, you should keep their level of learning in mind. There are toys that help with spelling, counting, subtraction and addition, and some that help with writing and sounds. Don’t buy something that is beyond their current learning level as this can just frustrate them and they’ll lose interest quickly. Music is not really a toy, but many autistic children love music. A DVD or CD just might be a great present that they would love.

You shouldn’t have too hard a time finding a toy for autistic children if you keep the function and developmental level of the child in mind. You may find the perfect toy, but remember, well thought and age-appropriate toys are sometimes ignored and unused. You shouldn’t take it personally. Buying a toy for any child is a little hit and miss and the same goes for autistic children. When it doubt, ask the parents for guidance, as they know their child the best.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on autism. In the newsletter you’ll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

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How Wooden Toys Help Children Learn

Friday, December 25th, 2009


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Though they may seem like all fun, toys are more than entertaining playthings that amuse our children. Toys are the tools our children use to learn new skills, as well as understand the world and events around them. Toys, especially quality, long lasting wooden toys, are essential to a child’s proper growth and development. An assortment of various wooden toys can help your child learn and develop skills in every area of development.

Fine and gross motor development are both vital areas of development for a healthy, happy future. Gross motor skills refer to the large muscles your child uses to walk, run, throw, and catch. Much of a child’s gross motor development takes place outside. Outdoor play sets and wooden toys, like ride-on toys, pedal cars, and even doll strollers, are some of the best toys to promote large muscle development.

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the fingers and wrists that allow us to write, cut with scissors, and manipulate small objects with our hands. Fine motor development correlates closely with the development of hand and eye coordination. Art toys and supplies, like crayons, paint brushes, and weaving looms, aid in both of these areas of development. There are quite a few wooden toys that enhance fine motor development available as well. Wooden puzzles are excellent toys for a broad range of skill levels. Wooden toys, like blocks and shape sorters, also promote fine motor development.

Cognitive development includes most of the skills we use to learn, to think, and to work creatively. Things like math skills, problem solving, and artistic talent are all parts of cognitive development. There are many, many toys that promote and enhance cognitive development in children. Natural toys, like sand and water activities, encourage children to explore, experiment, and investigate, all important parts of problem solving. Wooden toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21/wooden-toys-22], like board games, blocks, and toys that support sorting and classification skills are also helpful in cognitive development.

Children develop language skills in almost everything they do. Books and reading aloud are the leading way to enhance language development in your child. Daily story times are a vital part of healthy growth and development throughout childhood. Aside from reading and books, children expand their language skills through pretend play and interactive play with others. Miniature appliances, doll accessories, and play sets are just a few wooden toys that encourage imaginative play and enhance language development.

Toys are also an essential part of a child’s healthy social development. Children can use their toys to act out situations that have frustrated them, allowing them to work through new emotions in a safe and healthy way. Puppet theaters are great wooden toys that allow young children to express their fears and work out their social problems. Social skills are also learned through cooperative play with others. Many of the wooden toys recommended to aid development in other areas of growth also provide a number of social benefits. Pretend play, board games, and outside play all offer plenty of opportunity for social development.

Gary Clay is an expert on Traditional Wooden Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21/wooden-toys-22] and owner of stylish kids store MonkeyShine an approved Traditional Childrens Toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21] stockist in the UK

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Toys Appropriate for One-Year-Old Children

Saturday, November 28th, 2009


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From a fragile helpless little creature who could barely open his eyes, you’ve seen how your little kid bloomed to become the active, curious, and energetic one-year-old that he is right now.

Now is the time when he graduates from the rattles and baby squeaky toys that used to make him burst into a fit of giggles. Now is the time when he progresses to more advanced toys that will be suitable in developing his skills and stimulating his mental growth.

Toys for one-year-old children include:

Stacking toys that come in different shapes, sizes and colors. These include stackable cups, pails, and rings are helpful in introducing your kid to a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. By learning how to stack up these toys his fine motor skills, hand to eye coordination, and spatial awareness are also being improved.

Unbreakable mirrors of assorted sizes. You might have noticed that your kid loves looking at that baby he sees whenever he’s in your arms and you pass by a mirror. Toys like unbreakable mirrors are not only fun and enjoyable for your kid but will also allow for self-discovery which is important in his developmental progress.

Squeeze toys. These are good in improving your baby’s grasp and release skills while the squeaky sounds that come from it will make your kid burst into laughter. Give your kid a variety of squeeze toys which can also be used in games like “where’s the toy?” wherein you hide one and have your toddler look for it as his problem solving skills are being honed.

Cars, trucks and vehicle toys that do not have small or loose parts, sharp and pointy objects and are made of durable and flexible but safe plastic material.

Building toys such as large building blocks. Because your kid will be able to construct various creations from these, this is instrumental in honing his creativity and imagination.

Balls of various colors and sizes. Play baby soccer with your kid to improve his motor skills and eye to foot coordination by swinging him to kick these balls. Or use these balls to teach him about the round shape and the different sizes and colors and sharpen his visual discrimination.

Educational cardboard books with vibrant images and colourful prints. While your kid browses through these books, narrate to him and tell him about the things in the book, “this is a dog” or “this is a house.” This will be beneficial in helping your kid’s conceptual and language development.

Large dolls, plush toys or puppets. Babies are inherently enthusiastic about puppet shows. While these puppet shows are proven to keep baby amused and entertained, more importantly these will teach your kid about the art of conversation and encourage positive interaction. Have a Baby Einstein puppet talk to you and then respond. Talk about funny things or sings songs together.

Toys that mimic real-life gadgets and devices like toy telephones. Imitating older people is how a baby learns about the world around him Use these toys to encourage imitative play and cultivate his social and language development.

For more tips and information about Baby Einstein Puppets, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com

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