Selecting Toys For the Two-Year Old

Selecting Toys For the Two-Year Old



Selecting Toys For the Two-Year Old

By Beth W. Johnson



How do you go about selecting a toy for a two-year-old? What do you buy? Your visit to the toy store only muddles the decision-making process because there are so many neat ones from which to choose. You prefer that it be a learning toy. You need help. If you don't know or have any idea ask questions.
These are the questions and the order in which I'd ask them.
1.    What interests the child? Observing the child or asking the parents is a good place to start. Most parents will readily give you one or more suggestions if you ask them to.
2.    Is it age-appropriate? Manufacturers usually give an age range for a particular toy. It might be age appropriate, but if he's not interested, it will be forgotten
3.    Is it safe? Again many manufacturers state "not appropriate for children under-." then give the age. If it isn't stated, check for sharp edges, small parts that could be pulled off or swallowed, and any defect you might see. You can also log on to the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site to see if the toy is subject to any recall.
4.    Is it colorful? Colorful toys, with lots of reds, yellows, greens or blues capture his attention visually.
5.    Can she manipulate it? Children seem to like toys that make noise, can be pushed, pulled, turned, twisted or banged. These hold their interest longer and enhance the development of gross and fine motor skills.
6.    Does it lend itself to creative or pretend play? Toys that encourage this enhance the child's language development and problem solving capabilities.
7.    Is it easy to hold and maneuver?
Armed with answers to these key questions, you're prepared for selecting toys for the two-year old.
For more information on selecting toys for the two-year old, visit Child Enriching Gifts. This site explores the sensory motor development of children from birth to five years and offers suggestions for gifts, toys and activities to enhance development of these skills. Beth is a retired teacher of the visually impaired, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She created this site drawing on her experiences as a mother, teacher and a grandmother.



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