Toy Project. AJ 2 - essay PDF

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Toy Project Arlene Johnson 23366867 ECE130 Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child Toy Project 605845 February 8, 2021

One aspect within children's development that is most important is choosing appropriate toys. As Linda G. Miller wrote (2008), "choosing an appropriate toy for children is an important responsibility for the early childhood professional. Despite the great number of toys available to the children in homes, as well as in child care settings, many toys are inappropriate or even dangerous for young children." Understanding the basic principles of child development and the safeness set for children's protection, early childhood professionals can select toys that meet young children's interests and needs. Depending on the child's age, one would want to choose overall safe toys suitable for whichever period the toy is intended to and appeal to the children in that age range. Whether it's a gift for a child or toys one is buying for a child care program, there are safe toy selection guidelines to follow when choosing the appropriate toy. Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, following guidelines set for selecting toys "makes it more likely the toy will engage the child-and reduces the risk it could cause injury." ("Toy Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics," 2018). These guidelines are vital pointers to keep in mind when selecting toys. When selecting a toy, one would want to make sure that the toy is safe for the intended age group; some guidelines to follow found on Earlychildhoodnews.com states that you should make sure a toy "passes choke test (for infants through three-year-old's), no sharp edges, no danger of suffocation, eye danger considered" (A Right to Play, 1993). Toys that early childhood professionals choose should be challenging but not frustrating for the child. Be sure to keep in mind that toys should be appealing to young children through various shapes, colors, and even sounds if the toy produces one. It is best to expose children to many alternatives to appreciate many styles while forming their preferences (Stevanne Auerbach, 2012). Do select toys that are

multicultural and free of sex stereotypes, usable by both boys and girls, colors don't dictate use by single-sex and do not dictate a specific role (Linda G. Miller, 2008). Early childhood professionals should choose toys that offer the right balance of creative expression, which enriches young children's skills. As Stevanne Auerbach wrote (2012), a child care program includes products that offer open-ended play like blocks, physical play like balls, silly toys like a jack in the box for its fun, and surprise responses course electronics that are in balance with non-tech toys. However, when choosing electronic toys, one would want to consider not choosing battery-operated toys, for the batteries could be potential choking hazards. Toys that are good for young children's development are toys intended for a specific age group. These toys could involve puzzles for school-age children and building blocks of shapes and colors for younger children. Do not get toys that are violent within nature, such as toy weapons. Karen Stephens wrote (2007), "Children can mistake a real weapon for a toy so that children learn not to approach or play with real weapons, such as guns and knives. Even cap guns and BB guns pose dangers; resist buying them." Children are known to be impressionable, so it is important not to buy toys that resemble real weapons; this helps the child's development. Beneficial toys are made to fit your children's development abilities and construct with safeness already in mind. Observing your child's play and the selections they make personal when it comes to toys and activities, you'll start to see what appeals to them most and respond to their current abilities. A few things to keep in mind when selecting toys do get gender-neutral toys. Soft toys are an excellent choice to encourage cooperation and are more likely to support family values, as Karen Stephens (2007) stated. Do select toys that are hands-on that engage their minds and senses; these toys could be toys with sound or fabrics that can help teach. Do not get toys with too loud a

sound, and keep in mind if a child is allergic to any fabrics or specific materials. Close supervision is your best safety insurance, according to Karen Stephens (2007).

PART II For this portion of my project, I have chosen three developmentally appropriate toys for the age group 1-5. During this age group, most children are not in school until the age of 5, so the toys I've selected are

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Think & Learn Code-a-pillar is made of solid none-washable plastic; however, it can be cleaned and sanitized by Lysol wipes. The design resembles a caterpillar, consisting of a motorized head, eight easy-to-connect segments placed in any order. Each element contains lights and colors of: blue, orange, yellow, green, and purple. The motorized head also includes lights, sound, and blinking eyes when connected to other segments. The eight parts of this caterpillar have three components that move forward, two that turn the toy at a complete 90-degree angle require four AA alkaline batteries. 16.1 x 4 x 13 inches in size and can be purchased at Walmart, Kohl, and Fingerhut for $49.99. Keep away from damp areas and store in toy bins or other designated spots for toys. This toy aims to help kids build their motor and developmental skills such as sequencing, memory, and problem-solving.

This toy is developmentally appropriate for the age group three to five years old because it helps with their motor skills and discovery development. Children at this age are becoming more aware and more engaging with their toys and their environment. Children discover that their

actions can make things happen, also known as cause and effect. The toy is also developmentally appropriate because it helps children develop skills dealing with sequences and memory. When a child connects the different segments, the toy moves in different directions, and this allows the child to remember which part makes the toy drive in which order. While playing with this toy, children can develop different skills to help them in their everyday life and education-wise. The toy allows children with memorization and sequencing skills. The colors on the toy can also help children with the color association. Children appeal to the bright colors of the toy as well as the sounds it makes. Taking apart the toy and put it together in different sequences make it appealing to children in this age group. Typically, children in the age group 3-5 years old are interested in other living creatures like insects and animals. The toy is in resemblance to that of a bug tend to draw children into like it. Parents would select this toy for the developmental benefits it can have on a child. It is a safe toy that strikes creativity and teaches at the same time. The price of this toy is reasonable and lasts a long time if taken care of properly. The toy becomes a great puzzle, like a toy when the child wants the toy to go in a specific or different direction. Parents would also select this toy for there are no messes and easy to pick up. The toy for children in the age group 3-6y years old, any child under that age I wouldn't recommend. The Think & Learn Code-a-pillar is a mobile toy that moves around once one segment is attached to the others, so walking-age children are most fond of playing with this toy. The toy's age group is usually less sensitive to light and sound, so no child under three shouldn't play with this toy.

One hazard one could encounter is that the toys become damaged if submerged in water; from reviews, nothing extreme has happened, besides the toy not working afterward. The toy pieces aren't small enough to swallow or choke on, but that entirely doesn't mean a child would still bite and chew the toy. To prevent these hazards, closely supervise children when playing and keep the toy away from water.

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Mega Bloks Building Basics Take-Along Builder is a 16-piece building block along with a rolling wheelbase. The toy as a whole with blocks inside the rolling wheelbase is 5.2 x 13.5 x 11.5 inches—all including washable plastic blocks and a removable building plate that attaches inside or outside the rolling wheelbase. The wheelbase has an easy-to-grip handle perfect for little hands, perfect for on the go. The ideal ages for this toy are ages one through five. The blocks are colorful, consisting of all primary colors as well as the wheeled carrying case. The purpose of this toy is for children who love to build also for on the go. There are no messes toys purchased from Target, Kmart, and Amazon for $19.99, like blocks, which are easy to clean.

Building blocks are very developmentally appropriate for this specific age group because it helps build their motor skills. Most children love to build and create; this toy provides them with that. The Mega Bloks Building Basic Take-Along Builder is developmentally appropriate for ages 3-6-year old. This toy is educational because it teaches children how to build structures and create with their own hands. Children make their structures or replicate existing ones. Color association and primary colors Problem-solving toys are also something associated with building blocks, and a

child might have to figure out how to build the partnerships on top of each other to look like whatever they are trying to create. The toy is appealing to children in this age group because of the free creativeness children have with building blocks. Children enjoy creating and building; with this toy, they can do precisely that. The rolling wheelbase appeals to active kids because they can pull along their creations that they have made or take their toys from one place to the next. A variation of colors also appeals to children, and this toy has plenty of that. With different colored blocks along with its multicolored rolling wheelbase, this toy is appealing to children. Parents would choose this toy for its safety and the endless creativeness their child or children can express. Building blocks are the essential first toy parents buy their kids; this toy is another reason parents purchase. The toy had its storage with wheels makes it more worth it for parents to buy because of the mess-free and easy to bring along components. The main reason why I see parents purchasing this toy is again for the creative expression this toy provides. Creative expression is vital in early childhood, also developing motor skills and problemsolving. I would purchase this toy for it allows children to use their imagination and create whatever it is their mind imagines. The wheeled base makes it for children to lug around their blocks as well as keeping them contained. Instead of buying a big block room in an already been filled with toys, the wheeled-base comes in handy. All these alone would be the reason I would purchase this toy for the specific age group. When it comes to whether this toy is safe or not, I conclude yes. The blocks are not small enough to swallow and are too light to cause any damage. Although close supervision should be present when children are at play, this toy shows no threat to a child's well-being. This toy is also

safe because of the non-sharp edges within the blocks and the wheeled base. Young children need to design to create independents. There are no potential hazards that can come with playing with this toy. Although like said before, close supervision should be present when children are at play.

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Leadstart, manufactured by Leapfrog, is a multi-purpose interactive learning tool used to support numeracy and literacy learning. Aimed at children from two years old and further onwards, the toy has over 400 activities and 25 different books in conjunction with a stylus pen to develop skills in a fun way. The Leapfrog book is measured 28.2 (H) x 4.1 (D) x 27.2 (W) with durable materials, including plastic, cardboard, and paper. The product's durable plastic can be cleaned and sanitized with antibacterial wet wipes, damaging the toy's facets. The toy has a $39.99 and can be purchased directly online from the manufacturer's website or Walmart and Target.

This toy is appropriate for 1-3-year olds as it reflects the time of development by which children of this age begin to learn literacy and numeracy (Teale, 1986). Children can start to produce letter-like forms during this age period, understand print and scribble, or use pens (Teale, 1986). The stylus in this toy supports that development in a simplified way, which can encourage learning. The toy has clear educational benefits in that children can begin to learn about literacy (phonics and grammar) and numeracy (problem-solving, basic math) before educated, and thus, the toy can be used as a stepping stone to grasp an understanding of skills that will need in school.

Aim at 3-5 years old, the toy's obvious appeal stems from its being an interactive batteryoperated toy. The design can also give the child the impression of having a 'grown-up' toy and so becomes instantly appealing; this, along with its bright colors, the use of a stylus pen, and audio, makes it an overall adorable toy. Based on its description, the toy would more than likely appeal to parents wanting to select the toy as the varied number of activities will keep a young child occupied while still learning. However, a downside to the toy is that the supplement books will come at an extra cost. For some parents, this may be a deterrent in wanting to buy the toy as it means having to continually buy more and more items once completed the previous activities. I would select this toy for children in the age range chosen for several reasons. Firstly, it is a modern toy that encompasses a wide range of activities in one toy; this alone makes one feel like they got the worth of their money. Secondly, the manufacturer is a well-known and reputable company with a history of supplying and producing great toys with an educational purpose. Thus, there is trust with the brand that it will deliver what it aims to do. Overall, the toy seems highly safe as compartmentalized with no included small items that can be detached and swallowed. The stylus pen only has a slight rubbery lead, and the batteries can only be removed with a screwdriver, meaning only an adult can do so. If wet, electrical toys hazard could malfunction and possibly cause an electrical shock to the child. Parents need to store those toys away from water.

Reference "NAEYC." The 10 NAEYC Program Standards | NAEYC, www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/play/toys.

"Choosing Safe Toys (for Parents)." Edited by Kate M. Cronan, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, July 2018, kidshealth.org/en/parents/safe-toys.html.

"Toy Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics." Site Title, www.aap.org/enus/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Toy-Safety-Tips-from-theAmerican-Academy-of-Pediatrics.aspx.

Early childhood NEWS - Article Reading Center, www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx? domainredirect=true&ArticleID=343.

"Toy Buying Tips for Babies & Young Children: AAP Report Explained." HealthyChildren.org, healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/pages/what-to-look-for-in-a-toy.aspx....