(ARA)
- By now, the kids on your holiday shopping list probably have lists of their
own, put together with help from endless commercials featuring products that
walk, talk, light up and more. While the ads may capture kids' imaginations,
chances are the actual toys won't interest them for long.
Why? The answer is simple -- these toys don't leave anything to
the child's imagination. Simple toys that allow children to decide for
themselves how to play with them allow for much more creative play. And for
young children, playing is learning.
Play is an important part of learning for children who do not yet
read or write. It allows them to learn about new concepts by touching, feeling,
listening, talking and smelling. Play is how children discover and make sense of
their world.
This whimsical tree house by PlanToys features a trunk made of
bent wood and felt leaves. It is sure to spark the imagination and inspire hours
of creative play. Accessories include a rope ladder, clothes-line, swing,
rocking chair, lamp and pulley.
Early childhood education experts agree that the years from birth
to age eight are a critical learning time for children, and children need plenty
of opportunities for creative play and creative thinking during this important
stage. Parents should pay attention to play, plan for it and encourage it with
age-appropriate toys. "Endless possibilities open through a child's
imagination and play," explains Robin Lehnert, spokesperson for BRIO
Corporation, a toy company known for its commitment to play value, quality and
fun.
A recent survey commissioned by Civitas Initiative and Zero To
Three, with financial support from BRIO, found that many adults believe that
certain activities, such as playing computer programs, do the most to enhance a
child's development. In reality, according to the survey, other forms of play
offer greater benefits since they tend to give children a better chance to use
imagination and think abstractly. For example, when a 10-month-old baby bangs on
blocks, she practices motor skills and learns about cause and effect (in
addition to having a whole lot of fun).
PlanToys, a line of innovative wooden preschool products
distributed worldwide by BRIO, offers many examples of "open-ended"
toys that help children engage in creative play. "All of the toys BRIO
offers are designed to grow with the child, providing simple pleasures when the
child is youngest, and more complex interactions as he or she matures,"
notes Lehnert.
PlanToys consists of five product lines and over 150 toys
designed by teams who understand child development and how toys can stimulate
that development at each stage of a child's growth. All products are made of
high-quality and preservative-free rubberwood.
For younger children, the Developmental Play line starts with
push/pull toys, pretend play and creative blocks. The Enjoyable Play line is not
only fun, but also instills an appreciation of rules into children while
encouraging them to have social interactions with others. The Imaginative Play
line, for children three years old and up, will stimulate a child's imagination
and creativity and is a wonderful way for children to discover new worlds.
The Plan City line includes many components: an airport, road
system, gas and fire stations and a parking garage. Kids learn about social
environments and leader-follower skills. The Miniature Play line allows kids to
create their own "home sweet home" with miniature dollhouses and
furniture. For example, the award-winning Tree House, a new addition to this
group of toys, will delight kids and parents alike. The split-level wooden Tree
House stands 34 inches high and will inspire hours of creative play with
accessories including a rope ladder, clothesline, swing, rocking chair, lamp and
pulley. Adding PlanToys dolls makes this play set even more fun.
"The 'magic' of the toys in our selection is truly realized
when placed in the hands of a child," says Lehnert. By understanding the
value of play, parents can choose toys that not only provide hours of enjoyment
for their kids, but also enhance their learning and development.
PlanToys are available in specialty toy, educational and museum
stores, and through select catalogs and Internet sites. For a list of retailers,
call BRIO toll-free at (888) 274-6869 or visit the company's Web site at
www.briotoy.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
