By: A.Noton
Submitted: 2011-07-13 14:01:54 | Word Count: 515
Jean Piaget was a 20th century educational theorist and researcher who has had a significant impact on the way we understand children. He once said that "play is the work of childhood." He developed the idea that children pass through four distinct stages as they grow from infants into adults. We will discuss these stages and the overall benefits of educational toys in this article.
Sensorimotor
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The first stage that a child goes through is the sensorimotor stage. This stage lasts from birth until about 24 months of age. In this stage, the child moves from the reflexes of an infant to the understanding that objects remain even when they are out of sight and the ability to think symbolically. At each point along the way, the toys given to a child must be appropriate for the substage that the child is progressing through.
Newborns and young babies need toys that they can explore safely with their mouths. Throughout the sensorimotor stage, the primary means of learning takes place through the child's senses. As babies get older toys that yield predictable results, such as a rattle, are important. Eventually, the young toddler will do experiments with the toys to see what kinds of results he or she can get with them. Stacking toys, toys that show causes and effect, toys that children can manipulate are all suitable for children of this stage.
Preoperational
At about the age of two through seven years old, children proceed through the preoperational stage. Children at this age cannot think logically. They do have great imaginations and magical thinking. Toys that allow them to try out adult roles, such as dress up clothes and toys, and use their imaginations are best for children in this stage. This is also the stage when academics enters the picture. Children need toys that develop number sense, reading and the beginnings of logical thinking, such as puzzles at this stage.
Concrete Operational
The next stage is the concrete operational stage. This stage lasts from about age seven through 12. In this stage, a child's ability to think logically is just starting to develop. Thinking is very concrete. Providing toys that encourage the development of academic skills, critical thinking and a greater awareness of the world is essential.
Formal Operational
Throughout the teen years and into adulthood, the child's ability to think abstractly develops. Less time is spent on playing with toys and more time is devoted to specific hobbies and interests, as well as socializing and friends. Hobbies and other interests should be encouraged by providing the child with experiential activities and opportunities to include his or her friends, when possible.
Short- And Long-Term Effects
Children who have been provided with educational toys continue to reap the benefits of them well into their twenties. IQ test scores are also higher (by as much as 50 points) in children who have been provided educational toys. There are many benefits of educational toys. The child learns interpersonal skills, academic, motor and thinking skills all while having a good time. Every child deserves the advantages of playing with educational toys.
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