1. SELECTION & SAFETY OF TOYS

2. TOYS The word “Toy” comes from an old English term that means :TOOL
Toys are TOOLS for a child.
With these tools, children are allowed to use their senses, fine and gross motor skills, and their imaginations.
Cognitive and social skills are also increased as a child plays with toys.
Toys are valuable TEACHING tools.

3. Toy Evaluation Questions
Is the toy safe?
Make sure there are no small parts that could be swallowed or sharp edges that could cut a child.
Make sure that the toy is not flammable, or easily burned
Make sure that the toy has no lead-based paints, which could be poisonous.

4. Toy Evaluation Questions
Is it well made and durable?
Will the toy withstand the use it will receive?
Will it be easy to care for?
Make sure stuffed animals are washable.
Books are able to be wiped down.

5. Toy Evaluation Questions
Will it encourage the use of imagination?
Look for simple toys that can be used in a variety of ways
Is it colorful?
Young children respond more readily to colorful objects.
They also encourage children to learn the names of colors.

6. Toy Evaluation Questions
Will it be easy for the child to handle?
Think about the size of the child in relation to the toy.
What skills are being developed?
They can aid in large and small motor skills.
They also help children learn to share and cooperate with others.

7. Age-Appropriate Toys
Toys should also be appropriate for a child’s age and development level.
Infant toys are usually not challenging enough for 3 year olds.

8. Age Appropriate Toys One to Two Years
Many of the best “toys” are items found in the home.
metal pans
wooden spoons
plastic storage containers
Anything that allows the child to use large muscles is popular.
Swings
Riding Toys
Balls
Wagons

9. Age Appropriate Toys One to Two Years
Also enjoy
Small dolls
Stuffed animals
Sturdy books
Simple puzzles
Toy cars
Be careful to avoid small parts that could be swallowed.

10. Age Appropriate Toys Two to Three Years
Child wants to do what adults are doing.
Child-sized broom
Small shovel
Plastic/wooden tools
Play dishes
Art supplies are also popular at this age
Crayons
Clay
Large beads with string

11. Age Appropriate Toys Three to Four Years
Improved motor skills and increased imagination bring interest in toys requiring small motor skills.
Dolls to dress
Cars and trucks
They love to mold clay, color and paint-especially finger paint.

12. Age Appropriate Toys Three to Four Years
Spend longer period with books and enjoy listening to music.
They enjoy puzzles and using ladders, swings and slides.

13. CHILD PROTECTION & SAFETY ACT
Passage of this act was influenced by complaints regarding the safety of many toys.
The CHILD PROTECTION and TOY SAFETY ACT was passed in 1969.
Gave Food and Drug Administration the authority to remove and keep off the market toys and other products that are dangerous to children.