They aren't giving a list of specific toys, rather a list of types of toys to look for. Blocks, books, costumes, kitchen play, etc are all great ideas. iPads are fun, video games are fun, but they really don't promote a rich language environment. But creative play will.
Get down on the floor and play with your child. Figure out his plan. Follow her lead. Match your language to your child's and then expand that phrase by one extra word. Introduce new vocabulary. Read books together (or ask him to 'read' the book to you).
THE BIG QUESTION: What are the favorite toys here at preschool?
The toy train from IKEA that requires no batteries, but does require some time to set up a track. Problem solve on how to make the track fit together all the way around.
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| Picture from the IKEA website |
Magnet tiles. Some of our budding architects really like these tiles. Warning: these are more expensive than most toys. But it sure if fun to use the colorful tiles, sticking them together to create buildings, space ships, robots. Great toy for 3-dimensional play. Some will just stack them on top of each other - that is fun, too.
Marble runs. The kids spend hours putting this together. I have noticed that the different brands vary in quality. I'm not sure what brand is the best (and Miss Jeana's marble run has been here a long time so no one remembers the brand). Look around and check ratings from other buyers. Again, lots of building involved. I think it is fun to play with, too.
Other favorite toys in both preschool rooms that the kids love: building blocks (plastic, wooden, or giant cardboard 'bricks'. We make roads, buildings, garages for cars, and forts.
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| Picture from Target |
Kitchen items. Regular pots, plans, dishes, cups, and cooking utensils bought at the dollar store. combine that with realistic looking pretend food, cardboard boxes that were saved from cereal or oatmeal, and empty spice containers. These kids LOVE to pretend to cook. We also have laminated place mats, shopping bags bought at the dollar section of Target, and menus. The kids play 'restaurant' and are constantly cooking up some creative dishes. Peanut butter eggs with syrup and strawberries, anyone? Yum!
Puzzles. Simple wooden puzzles or cardboard puzzles are fun. And there is a big sense of accomplishment when the puzzle is done and the child says "I did it!"
Dress up clothes: Regular grown up clothing items the teachers have collected, ties, dresses, medical scrubs, sparkly costumes, suit coats, scarves, silly hats. They are worn for the most interesting play. One child likes to wear the wizard costume and carry the doctor bag and stethoscope around.
Art supplies: crayons, markers, play dough, paint paper, envelopes, stamps, stickers. Some of our children love to create. Getting messy is okay.
There you go. So many fun toys and none that require a battery.
