While choosing toys for your children over the holidays, do not overlook the importance of selecting toys which will promote active learning.  Dr. Julia Roberts, pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group has offered a few tips to help you choose toys that will encourage your children to learn while engaging in play.  “Active learning occurs when children learn or strengthen skills through play,” shares Dr. Roberts. “Toys can help children with their problem solving skills as well as encourage them to be active and explore new things.”

Dr. Roberts encourages you to select toys that encourage exploration and problem solving.  Children are able to practice new skills over and over through play.  According to Dr. Roberts “When children play with toys that give them an opportunity to figure something out on their own, or with little help, they are building logical thinking skills and becoming problem-solvers”.  Items such as puzzles, blocks, nesting blocks or cups, and art materials are good choices to help children learn and use their problems solving skills.

Dr. Roberts also suggests that you find toys that encourage your child to be active. Toys that encourage children to be active are helping them practice current physical skills and develop new ones.  “Choosing toys that encourage physical activity will help your children develop motor skills and make them more confident to try more activities,” says Dr. Roberts.  Some toys that encourage active play are balls of different shapes and sizes, tricycles or three-wheeled scooters (with appropriate safety gear), gardening tools and plastic bowling sets.

She also advises parents to choose toys that encourage cross-generational play. Adults and children can play almost anything together, but some toys are designed for adults to play as well.  Children as young as three can play board games and they are fun for all ages to play.  “Playing board games together will help your children learn to count, matching and strengthen memory skills,” says Dr. Roberts.  “Children will also learn listening skills and self-control as they learn to follow the rules.”

 

 

 

 

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