Abstract Researched children’s toys from birth to 11 years of age to determine which toys would provide the development of imagination and creativity as well as stimulating cognitive abilities for formal learning.

Introduction The toys parents choose as well as their involvement or lack of involvement is likely to be a determinant in a child’s overall emotional and cognitive development. Therefore, each parent’s choice of toys should be well balanced in stimulating cognitive abilities and creativity while also being a reflection of that child’s personality.

Purpose of Current Research To understand how toys can provide an imaginative and creative learning environment conducive to a child’s development and learning ability in their formal education.

Hypothesis Parental choice of Children’s toys and parental involvement play an important role in childhood development.

Method Collected the needed information by visiting Toys-R-Us toy store as well as collecting information from the following websites: (American Academy of Pediatrics) Other information was collected by visiting psychology research websites for the following research articles: Virtual and Physical Toys: Open Ended Features for Non- Formal Learning

Method Play as a Function of Toy Structure and Fantasy Predisposition, Developing a General Outcome Measure of Growth in the Cognitive Abilities of Children 1 to 4 Years Old: The Early Problem-Solving Indicator

Results Each child and parent have their own individual methods in interacting. The number of web-sites available to the public provide any number of ways to access information on child growth and development. Likewise, the number of online toy stores and suppliers also provide extra access to a more varied choice of educational toys than would be found at a local toy store. The claims of the toy manufacturer may or may not necessarily live up to the parent-child expectations due to any number of factors. These may include but are not restricted to the actual ability of the child and amount of time the parent may actually have to spend one on one with the child. In other cases the claims by the toy manufacturer may seem altruistic but in actuality their ultimate goal is to make a profit.

References Child Development Institute in association with amazon.com About Toys4Growth Customer Information (2005). Fantasy Play. Retrieved February 7, 2007 from Greenwood, C. R., Walker, D., Carta, J. J., and Higgins, S. K. (2006). Developing a General Outcome Measure of Growth in the Cognitive Abilities of Children 1 to 4 Years Old: The Early Problem-Solving Indicator. School Psychology Review, 35,4, Retrieved February 9, 2007 from EBSCO Host Research Database.

References Leap Frog product information. Retrieved February 13-14, 2007, from Mattia, N. (2007). The Value of Solo Play. The Benefits and Challenges of Letting Baby Play Alone. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved February 7, 2007, from Medem: Medical Library Choosing Safe Toys. American Academy of Pediatrics (2000). Retrieved February 7, 2007, from

References Petersson, E., and Brooks, A.,(2006). Virtual and Physical Toys: Open-Ended Features for Non-Formal Learning. CyberPsychology and Behavior 9,2. Retrieved February 9, 2007, from the EBSCO Host Research Database. Pulaski, M., (1970). Play as a Function of Toy Structure and Fantasy Predisposition. Child Development, 41, Retrieved February 9, 2007, from the EBSCO Host Research Database.

References ToysRUs product information. Retrieved February 13-14, 2007, from

Discussion Many of the toys today are designed not only for child to peer interaction and solo play but also for parent to child interactions. The use of toys in the interaction with other children within their peer group aids in the development of: Social skills Cognitive ability Imaginations in interactive fantasy play Overall physical motor development The article “Play as a Function of Toy Structure and Fantasy Predisposition” (Pulaski, 1970), stated positive results

on children who integrated fantasy play in their peer to peer interactions. “The results of the study indicated that high-fantasy children are equipped with many of the cognitive skills which contribute to creative functioning.” Originality Spontaneity Verbal fluency Free flow of ideas Flexibility in adapting to new situations May contribute to a richer, more productive life. (Pulaski, 1970) The toy website Toys4Growth uses such claims in their website to market their fantasy play section of toys and costumes.

Benefits of fantasy play according to toys4growth website. Initiates group play Imagination Language skills Sense of humor Development of social skills (toys4growth, 2007) However, solo play time is as important as group play. Solo play allows the child’s imagination to run wild with creativity that is within their own personal making.

Nancy Mattia’s article on “The Value of Solo Play: The benefits and challenges of letting baby play alone” states that solo play has the following developmental benefits. Solo play provides multidimensional development. Allows the child to explore their environment Development of independence Development of self esteem Learns from own mistakes (Mattia, 1970) Parental choice in toys should allow for a variety of options from which the child can experience cognitive development as well as creative expression.

Physical toys used in cognitive development tend to be structured for the development of problem solving skills. Blocks Puzzles Legos Play dough Paint sets These toys tend to bring about group efforts among children as well as developing imaginations and fine motor development.(Petersson, 2006)

Research on the development of cognitive abilities in children starts at an early age. Those “who develop the skills to approach problems, attend to the critical aspects of the situation, try out potential solutions, and persist until the problem is solved are learning how to learn” (Greenwood, 2006) Virtual toys tend to not be flexible in their use. Most are geared toward individual learning and do not promote the use of imagination.(Petersson, 2006) Computer games Leap pads Twist and shout math products

Safety in the selection of toys should always come first when parents are selecting toys for their children. Websites such as The American Academy of Pediatrics offer safety tips for toys.(The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2006) Eleven tips to parents on choosing safe toys Age recommendations Proper storage of toys Regular maintenance and cleaning of toys Parent child interaction is also the responsibility of the parent. Benefits of parent and child interaction include: Bonding of parent and child relationship Allows the child to feel special and needed

Aids in the development of self esteem Creates an environment conducive to teaching scenarios for real life situations (Toys4Growth, 2007) Play time between parent and child is not only indispensible for the adult to relax and be a big kid but, it is also indispensible for developing your child into the individual you want them to become.

TOYS R US SELECTIONS BRIGHT STARTS TEETHER BOOK 3 MONTHS KIDS II $ MOS. PLUS SASSY CLASSICAL KEYS 6 PLUS MOS. DEVELOPS MOTOR SKILLS $4.99 SASSY POPPIN PUSH CAR 6 PLUS MONTHS, DEVELOPS MOTOR SKILLS $3.99 LIGHT AND SOUND RATTLE INFANTINO STEP 2 3 MONTHS PLUS $5.99

CARTER’S COZY COMFORT LIGHTS AND SOUND GYM BIRTH AND UP $49.98 INFANTINO GIDDY UP AND GO GYM BIRTH AND UP $34.99 FISHER PRICE LEARNING HOME 6-36 MONTHS 2 INTERACTIVE MODES LAUGH AND LEARN $64.99 LAUGH AND LEARN FISHER PRICE MUSICAL LEARNING CHAIR 2 INTERACTIVE MODES $31.99 FISHER PRICE PRESCHOOL CENTER 2-7 YEARS $59.99

FISHER PRICE BRILLANT BASICS BABY’S FIRST BLOCKS $9.99 FIRST ACT DISCOVERY GRAND PIANO AGE 4 AND UP $79.99 FIRST ACT DISCOVERY 34 INCH ACOUSTIC GUITAR AGES 7 AND UP $49.99 LITTLE TIKES HANDLE HAULERS HAUL AND RIDE 12 – 36 MOS. $34.99 SHELCORE SOUND BEGINNINGS LEARN’N GO REMOTE CONTROL SCHOOL BUS 2YEARS PLUS $24.99

IMAGINARIUM DELUXE MARBLE RACE 3 PLUS YEARS $19.99 FUN YEARS MUSIC EDU DANCE MAT AGES 3 PLUS $14.98 THINKATIVITY ENTERTAINMENT FOR BABIES 6-36 MOS. INTERACTIVE STORYBOOK $9.98 FUN PLAY WITH FOAM PUZZLE SET 3 YEARS PLUS $29.99 MELISSA & DOUG SOLAR SYSTEM PUZZLE 3YEARS AND UP $9.99

SECRET WORLDPUZZLES AGES 5 AND UP $5.99 V-TECH TOUCH TABLETS AGES 6,8, $59.99 EDU SCIENCE QUICK SWITCH MICROSCOPE $24.99

P I A G E T SENSORY MOTOR STAGE

P I A G E T CONCRETE OPERATIONAL STAGE

P I A G E T FORMAL OPERATIONAL STAGE

P I A G E T PREOPERATIONAL STAGE

BARBARA FOUNTAIN PSYCHA3233 PRESENTATION: TOYS AND THEIR EFFECT ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT