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    My Favorite Toys for Development!

    Toys that help all areas of development for young children!

    As the holidays approach I wanted to share some of my favorite toys based on different areas of development.

    When children play it is important to have different types of play that work on a variety of skills.  Parents can help to set the stage and organize the environment and invite the children into play.  Our job is to be the facilitator and narrator of play and let the child decide HOW to play.  At times we may need to redirect, show the child HOW to use a toy or model based on safety. 

    Your child does not need every toy under the sun, they need a variety of toys to choose from and rotating your toys so that their environment is not overstimulating is a great idea!

    Find the direct links to Amazon below:

    These are items that I use and love. When you purchase something that I recommend, I may get an affiliate commission - that never affects your price!

    Literacy and Language:

    BOOKS, BOOKS, and More BOOKS! Read to your child and let your child see you reading! Play with letter blocks and label "things" in their environment! Don't demand that they know or learn letters or words, make it fun and TALK OUT LOUD to your child as soon as they are born, even in utero! 

    LINKS TO TOYS:

    Talking Flashcards

    Touch and Feel Books

    Polar Bear, Polar Bear What do You See?

    Poke A Dot Book

    Math Skills:

    No they should not be doing full blown geometry or long division! It should be about fun and play! You can even incorporate it into your daily routine, counting steps, counting as they put their arms and legs in!

    LINKS TO TOYS:

    Sorting, matching and counting Dinosaurs

    Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks

    Best Stacker

    Spatial Skills: 

    Putting it all together! Container play, puzzles, shape sorters and blocks! You can use plastic containers and random toys with different textures and shapes. 

    LINKS TO TOYS:

    Mega Blocks

    Large Knob Puzzle

    Farm Chunky Puzzle

    Baby Sorter Toy- Container Play

    Shape Sorter

    Movement Toys:

    Kids need to move, run and jump! They need time to integrate reflexes so some day they can sit and attend. They need to climb and go over and under, you can use pillows, blankets and any items to create and obstacle course!

    LINKS TO TOYS:

    Trampoline

    Tunnel

    Sit n Spin

    Climber

    Slide

    LOCAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS:

    Play Hollow- Ballston Spa NY

    LOVEVERY subscription toy box - This has never disappointed!

    These are a few ideas! Allow your child to find things that they like to play with. You may find they like to move, or they like music and arts and crafts! The goal is to provide lots of different ways for your child to play and find what THEY like and WHO they are! Play is the work of childrenđź’•And remember the most important "toy" for your young child is YOU! Playing with your children creates connection!

    If you are still struggling with a gift for your little one, reach out and I would be happy to help! This is not ALL my favorites, just a few!

    Make sure you check out my videos on HOW to play with these toys!

    BLOG POST HOW TO PLAY


    ~Kirsten, I am certified parent coach and special education teacher who helps overwhelmed parents create connection, strengthening communication while guiding and empowering families to teach their children skills!


    For more tips on parenting follow me on instagram @connectionsparentcoaching

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