Children
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Child Development
Some Primary Ways Children Develop:

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THROUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

In infancy, babies move reflexively with no intention or control. During the first year, the child's movements become intentional, more refined and more coordinated.

At first an infant makes broad, awkward sweeps while attempting to reach a desired toy ... a few months later lie reaches out and neatly wraps his fingers around the toy and brings it to him ... years later, that child is jumping a hurdle cleanly or running a relay race.

Especially helpful in this developmental area are toys that require children [o use their bodies during play - building, stacking, constructing, pushing, pulling, shaking, turning, spinning, threading, squeezing, kicking, throwing, etc.

THROUGH MENTAL ACTIVITY

Mental abilities are related to thinking, learning, creating, knowing, recognizing, developing concepts, organizing ideas, remembering, problem-solving, understanding cause- and-effect relationships, developing rules, drawing inferences, etc. A baby reaches out and finds that a mobile moves when she touches it (ah-ha ... cause and effect!) ... she later holds the memory of Dad or Mom leaving, knowing they will return ... and much later, she retains an understanding of square root as she works through an algebra problem.

Helpful in this area of development are books, games, puzzles, sand, water, clay; toys with various shapes, colors and sizes; and open-ended toys which have many possible outcomes.

THROUGH INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

From the moment of birth a child begins to form relationships with others - bonding to those who love him - and begins to form an understanding of himself which will hopefully be positive and well-nurtured by those around him. As he grows, he is able to handle many and varied relationships and growth within himself, even making complicated judgments and taking responsibility.

Toys that enhance this area of development are games, stuffed animals, puppets, dolls, art materials, costumes, play figures, instruments, etc.

Creativity is the expression of one's originality and imagination. We do not know what exists in the imagination of an infant, but in the second and third years of life we begin to see the expression of the child through imaginative play. As the child's mind and body grow, she is better able to explore all the countless expressions of her creative self … pretend play, art, music, drama, writing, invention.

THROUGH CREATIVITY

To nurture this area of development, open-ended playthings which have many possible outcomes are helpful: sand, water, construction sets, art materials, dolls, stuffed animals, play figures, vehicles, music and instruments, costumes and props, child-sized dishes and tools, etc

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD TOY?

The greatest benefits of a toy are the joy and self-esteem that children experience when they play with it. One carefully selected toy can do so much for a child; the right toy can literally help him discover a love of learning!

A well-chosen toy has certain aspects that make it valuable to a child's growth:

• The toy can be used in several different ways.
  
• A child can power the toy with her own ideas and imagination.
  
• The toy can grow with the child through more than one developmental stage.
  
• The toy has lots of developmental play value.
  
• The toy encourages open-ended play (there is no one "right' answer or way to use the toy ... it allows lots of room for a child's own creative thinking to come into play).
  
• The toy engages a child's interest beyond a few minutes - he will continue playing with it.
  
• The toy is fun, safe, durable and attractive!

Humans are blessed with natural curiosity and the desire to explore the world around them. Nurturing, loving environments, communication, having lots of room to run, and the availability of good toys are essential for that natural process of discovery to thrive - and this results in healthy, happy children!

Where Can I Get Additional Information?

Tustin Speech & Language Center
661 West First Street, Suite E
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714)-838-2853
Info@TustinSpeech.com

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Last Update
9/23/03

Tustin Speech & Language Center  •  661 West First Street, Suite E  •  Tustin, CA 92780  •  Phone:(714)-838-2853  •  Fax:(714)-838-4533
Info@TustinSpeech.com