1. Child Development I & II

2. IMPORTANCE OF PLAY Play is work for preschoolers Toys are their tools (examples) Playing helps preschoolers develop physically, socially, and intellectually. Learn –how to explore –how to learn –how to make friends –how to find information by themselves –to use their imagination

3. Types of Play Solitary Play: The child plays alone. He/she has no interest in anyone else or what they are doing. H/she is totally involved in a personal activity. –What is an example of a child and solitary play

4. Types of Play Parallel Play: This type of play involves a child playing beside other children. There is no actual interaction but the toys are similar. The child is playing beside other children rather than with them. –What is an example of parallel play?

5. Types of Play Cooperative Play: This type of plays involves organization. The child is a part of a group that has a specific purpose in mind such as making an art project or playing a game. There are usually leaders and followers in this type of play.

6. Toy Safety Consider this information from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign: –Falls and choking cause most toy-related deaths and injuries in children. Choking alone causes one third of all toy-related deaths. –Children 4 years old and younger account for almost half of all toy-related injuries and almost all deaths. –Children younger than age 3 are at the greatest risk of choking because they tend to put objects-especially toys-in their mouths. –Riding toys-including bicycles and scooters cause many injuries in children.

7. Is the Toy Safe? Look for toys that are well made. Children like to pull and twist toys and put them in their mouths. Make sure eyes, noses, buttons, and other parts that could break off are securely attached. Check toy cars to make sure wheels are on tight. Avoid toys intended for older children that may have small parts and pose a choking hazard. Regularly inspect the children's toys to make sure they are not broken or do not have broken seams where small removable parts (such as squeakers in squeeze toys) could be exposed. Avoid toys with long cords or long strings. Never hang a toy around a toddler’s neck. Avoid: –Uninflated or broken balloons –Marbles, coins, small balls and games with small balls –thin plastic toys that might break into small pieces and leave jagged edges.

8. Is the Toy Appropriate? IF IT IS NOT FUN, IT IS NOT A TOY!!!! A toy is fun when the toy is matched to the developmental stage of the child. Is the toy appropriate for your child’s motor abilities and cognitive abilities? Will the toy provide your child with a sense of control over his/her environment? Can your child use the toy to play with others or take turn with it? Will they talk or interact as they play? Can your child use the toy alone or will an adult always be needed for assistance? Is the toy stimulating, but not overwhelming? Will the toy be challenging, but not frustrating?