Early childhood educators are aware of the importance of play and the many ways it helps children develop physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.

At this time of year, it is important to choose toys that facilitate this development. Here are some guidelines for wise choices of toys.

Choose toys that promote . . .

Meaningful learning

• Children's play is often influenced by the toys they use.
• Toys of value enhance children’s natural ability to engage in imaginative, meaningful play by allowing them to try out their own ideas and solve their own problems.
• Toys of value can offer children the kind of learning which will help them succeed in school.

Respectful play

• Children learn many messages through play. As educators, we believe it is important to select toys that promote cooperative play.
• When children’s play is filled with competition, they learn that playmates are opponents and winning means that everyone else is a loser.
• When we support cooperation, children learn to live together better—respecting each other’s ideas, finding solutions to challenges, and working together toward a common goal.

Respect for the environment
Apply the motto of reduce, reuse, recycle to gift and toy giving.

• Reduce: Involve children in sorting through the toys they have outgrown. Donate to local organizations or hold a toy swap event.
• Reuse: Put away toys when interest lags. Reintroduce at a later date.
• Recycle: Renew everyday items by transforming them into toys. Use recycled materials to create instruments, toys, and other creations.

From the 2008-2009 Toys, Play & Young Children Action Guide, from the TruceTeachers.org website, sponsored by Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment (TRUCE), a national group of educators deeply concerned about how children's entertainment and toys are affecting the play and behavior of children in our classrooms.

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