by Teri Allen, OTR/L
Although technology is changing
our lives, children's brains still
develop the old fashioned way.  
Each child needs a wealth of  
sensory and movement
experiences to develop to their
fullest potential.  Play is the perfect
media for children to get these
experiences and toys are an
integral part of play!

You can help your child develop in
all areas by careful toy selection.   
When you make your Christmas
shopping list include toys that give
your child a well balanced "play
diet".   Look for toys that develop
the large muscles needed for
running, jumping and climbing as
well as the small muscles needed
for writing, buttoning and cutting.  
Provide toys that stimulate each of
your child's senses such as touch,
vision and hearing.  Consider toys
that encourage both solitary play,
creative thinking and group play.

Look for toys that:
  • can be used in a variety of
    ways
  • span a range of interests and
    ages
  • are durable
  • are easily cleaned
  • are safe
  • and, of course, are fun!
"For years specialists have been advising
parents to look for 'open ended' toys - in  
other words, toys that can be used again
and again in multiple ways.  A set of
blocks may become a skyscraper today, a
zoo tomorrow, and a space station the
next day." *

Here are some great web sites - Have fun
shopping!!

1.  Parent Magazine toy rating

2.  Meyers Toy World

3.  Back to Basic Toys

4.  SPD Foundation, Flaghouse





"To children there are
few things so eagerly
anticipated, fervently
desired, or frequently
requested as a new toy.
Ask them what they like
about toys and the
answer is simple - toys
are fun!  And they're
right.  Toys are fun.  
What's more, they are
the basic tools children
use to enrich their play
and learning." *

* (Buy Me, Buy Me! The Bank
Street Guide to Choosing Toys
for Children by Joanne
Oppenheim)
helping your child
succeed!
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