Through play and with the use of educational toys, children learn many different skills they will need in their life such as:
- Problem solving
- Learning how to share
- Development of motor skills
- Creativity and imagination
- Raising their independence level
Children can start benefiting from educational toys as early as one month old. Playing with shapes, counting naptime mats out for each child or pages in a book, using illustrations in books to support comprehension – all are examples of the important learning this is happening during both free and guided play time.
As your child gets older, introducing age appropriate toys will help them continue to learn and hit their milestones. Playful children tend to be happier, better adjusted, more co-operative, and more popular with their peers than those who play less. Adults have a role within the play by making time and space available with the relevant resources. Think about creating play ideas that help support and extend learning and development.