Play is the way children learn. It follows then, that the toys children play with can influence their learning. Some toys are more educational than others and here are some that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. This creative thinking toys post is brought to you by Oh! Toys, cool toys that are hard to find.
3 Types Of Toys That Encourage Creative Thinking For Kids
Through play, children learn about themselves, the environment, people and the world around them. In fact, play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as a right of every child! Play develops dexterity and helps the child master their environment. Play contributes to a child’s self esteem by allowing them to feel secure, successful and capable.
Sharing play experiences with a parent can also create strong bonds between parent and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics, says that play has an important role in child development. Play is clearly important for children. Here are some toys that will help encourage creative thinking for kids.
Building Toys
Toys that allow children to build are great for encouraging creative thinking and problem solving. This is probably why a good set of blocks has always been a must have on toy for every child. The great thing about a good set of blocks is that the child can build over and over. The creations are endless and each new structure provides a sense of pride to the child as he or she has worked hard to make each structure take their envisioned form. Atomium, Varis, and Cugolino are among the many excellent choices for building toys.
Toys That Encourage Imagination
Creative thinking is certainly fostered by toys that allow your child to imagine. Most often your child will imagine not only the situations but also the word exchange which is great for their language development and communications skills. It is great for your child to have the chance to think outside the box and my kids love to pretend and imagine both with me and by themselves. I love listening to them make the voices and movements of their toys in the next room! Kellner Stick Figure Toys, dolls, and stuffed animals are great toys that encourage imagination.
Puzzles
Puzzles are also great for problem solving and creative thinking as well as teaching concentration and patience. There is a huge variety of puzzling toys and 3D ones are often particularly fun and challenging like Brain String Advanced. Cuboro marble track system even combines the puzzle and building aspects to achieve endless fun and the antidote to any short attention span!
Here are some guidelines for playing with your child:
- Interact – take an active role and play along side the child but let them lead the play most of the time
- Observe – watch your child and them positive feedback
- Be creative – set aside your grown up self and rediscover the child within yourself
Toys are the props of play. Choose toys that leave the child in charge and that can be played with in multiple ways and have fun! What are your favorite toys that encourage creative thinking?
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