1. ... Toys... SELECTION & SAFETY OF TOYS

2. TOYS The word “Toy” comes from an old English term that means : TOOL Toys are TOOLS for a child. Toys are valuable TEACHING tools.

3. With these tools, children are allowed to use their senses, fine and gross motor skills, and their imaginations.

4. Cognitive and social skills are also increased as a child plays with toys.

5. SELECTION of TOYS Make sure the toy is age appropriate –Toys appropriate for the age of the child

6. Soft & Cuddling Toys –Dolls, stuffed animals, etc.

7. Manipulation/Small Motor Skill Toys –Blocks, puzzles, snaps, gears, games, etc.

8. Large Motor Skill Toys –Tricycles/bikes, balls, jump ropes, scooters, etc.

9. Dramatic Play –Dress-up clothes, furniture and accessories, etc.

10. SAFETY ISSUES SIZE of toy and pieces Larger than the child’s two fists

11. No SHARP edges or points Broken toys should be fixed or thrown away

12. NON-TOXIC materials Avoid all painted toys for babies & toddlers

13. DURABLE, WASHABLE & CLEAN Toy’s that won’t break easily Toys that can be cleaned easily

14. 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.

15. Remember! Toys should be: AGE- APPROPRIATE

16. SAFE

17. TEACH a Skill or Concept

18. FUN - FUN - FUN!!!

19. Let’s take a trip! Grab a toy Draw a picture of the toy on a separate sheet of paper & on the back, answer the following questions: –What is this toy? –What aged child would you say would use it? Is it age appropriate? –Is it safe? Describe how it is or isn’t. –What can the child learn from this toy?