Toys That Grow With Young Children
Playing is everything to young children! It is essential to their growth and development. It is how they explore their world and learn to walk, talk, sing, draw, and make friends. The toys that capture their attention are often the most basic ones. Parents today may feel it’s necessary to buy learning toys with all the bells and whistles, but there is no scientific evidence that they boost IQ. Electronic toys ask for a specific response and can be played with in a limited way. Classic toys are more versatile because children can play with them in a variety of ways.
The following is a list of toy-chest favorites:
1. Balls. Babies can stare, grab, and chew at them. Toddlers and preschoolers can roll and throw them. Choose balls of different sizes and textures.
2. Wooden Blocks. Babies can gnaw on, swat and grab them. Toddlers and preschoolers can stack and sort them. They can also be used to build forts, bridges, or whatever their imagination will allow.
3. Puzzles. Whether the puzzles are simple or more complicated, young children learn problem-solving and work on small motor skills.
4. Stuffed animals or dolls. Babies and toddlers fondle and chew on them. All young children can carry and cuddle their lovey. Preschoolers may use them to engage in pretend play.
Other ideas for great toys for young children include: simple board games, musical instruments, crayons and waterproof markers.
Common household objects can create a world of fun also. In the bedroom, blankets and sheets can be used to play peekaboo or to make a secret fort. In the bathroom, plastic cups and pitchers can be used in the tub for dump and pour. In the kitchen, pots, pans, and wooden spoons can be used to make “soup” or just a noisy band.
Classic toys, such as those mentioned above, may not be a parent’s first choice but give them a try. They provide children with continuous opportunities to explore, wonder, create and learn.
Jill Phillips
Parent Educator
Minnesota’s child development & parenting information available on Facebook & Twitter
Because more and more people are receiving information from social media these days, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently joined the social media movement by establishing a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
We are using these tools to complement our other communication efforts such as the state of Minnesota parent Website (www.mnparentsknow.info), periodic listserv distribution and the regular Early Learning Services information on the MDE Web pages. One of the main benefits of Facebook and Twitter is speed – if you are following us on either of these sites, you will hear about Web-based parent tools, videos, resources and announcements.
We encourage everyone interested in child development, early childhood education and parenting topics in Minnesota to become a “fan” of our Facebook page and a “follower” of our Twitter account. Users can find our Facebook page by searching for the Minnesota Department of Education and follow our Twitter updates at MnDeptEd. Also, visit YouTube for Department videos at http://www.youtube.com/mndeptofed.
Here is a link to get you started on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roseville-MN/Minnesota-Department-of-Education/158627528952?ref=nf.
Terrence Smith: Celebrate Arts & Culture with your Library
Come join the fun and learn a few folk dances with Terrence Smith, a MN Roster Artists for over 20 years. Terrence will be in our communities during November and December 2009. His program will include a little history of the dances. Everyone is invited to participate! Free! This program is sponsored by the Arrowhead Library System and the Virginia Public Library and is co-sponsored by ECFE & School Readiness of Virginia School District. This project is funded with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota arts and cultural heritage.
Dates:
December 2, Wednesday, at JoDene Kemp’s Child Care near Aurora, 3:15 to 4:15 pm
December 3, Thursday, at the Eveleth Public Library, 12:30 to 1:30 pm
December 3, Thursday, at the Parkview Learning Center, 6 to 7:30 pm
December 5, Saturday, at the Hoyt Lakes Public Library, 10 to11 am
December 12, Saturday, at the Gilbert Public Library, 7 to 8 pm
Children’s Mental Health: A Forum on Social & Emotional Development
6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009
FREE! A panel of professionals from the Range Mental Health Center will address what is normal emotional development, what are common psychological disorders in early childhood, what is ADAPT, and when would I seek a referral.
Format: From 6 to 7 pm, the panel will discuss various aspects of emotional health in children. From 7 to 7:30 pm, Moderator Mark Muhich will accept written questions from the audience for the panel to address. Refreshments & informal conversation with the panelists will follow the presentation.
Who is welcome: This event is for parents, family members, caregivers, teachers and the community.
Location: Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, F100 (Main Auditorium), Virginia
Child care: Free childcare on site is provided only upon pre-registration. Please call Kristine Norberg at 741-7441 to sign up for childcare. Childcare is provided by the Apple Tree Learning Center and Y-Wee Care.
This evening is co-sponsored by the Quad Cities Area Early Childhood Coalition and the Range Mental Health Center. Certificates of attendance are available. Call 742-3805 for more information.
Join the Early Childhood Advisory Council web forum!
Does your child attend Head Start or do you participate in ECFE classes? Have you been given helpful information about how you can help your child be ready for kindergarten? Are you a child care provider? Have you been given information about professional development opportunities? What is the single most important thing the state can do for early childhood?
The Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) wants to hear from you.