Toys - Do Babies and Children learn through play?

 

Why are toys important?

Life is an adventure, and every adventurer needs the right tools to conquer the challenges that come their way. That's where toys come in. Toys are not just objects to keep your little ones entertained. They are the keys that unlock the doors to their imagination, creativity, and growth. Toys are the tools that help children explore the world around them, learn new skills, and develop their cognitive abilities. 

What should parents look for in children's toys?

When choosing children's toys, parents should look for ones that encourage open-ended play, foster creativity, and promote active engagement. Consider toys that challenge children's problem-solving skills and encourage them to think critically. Parents should let the magic of toys transform the child's world!

What types of toys do we have at Smris and why should you buy them?

At Smris, we have classic toys that have stood the test of time and continue to provide numerous benefits for children. All toys are completely eco-friendly having been made from wood and coloured with only natural colours.

Rattles are not just a source of entertainment for babies; they also play a crucial role in their development. The sound produced by a rattle helps babies develop their auditory senses. As they shake the rattle and hear the sound it makes, they learn to associate actions with outcomes. This helps in the development of cause-and-effect thinking, which is an essential cognitive skill. They also help develop motor skills when the babies shake the rattle.

Stacking rings are not only fun to play with, but they also promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in babies. As they grasp the rings and stack them on the pole, they develop their hand muscles and learn to coordinate their movements. Additionally, stacking rings introduce babies to the concept of numbers, size and sequencing, as they learn to arrange the rings from largest to smallest or vice versa.

 

Pull along toys, such as wagons or animals on wheels, are excellent for encouraging gross motor skills in babies. As they pull the toy along, they engage their leg muscles and improve their balance and coordination. Pull alongs also provide a sense of independence for babies as they explore their surroundings while having a companion by their side. Furthermore, these toys can also enhance a baby's cognitive development. Pull alongs often come in bright colors and different shapes, which stimulate a baby's visual senses and help them learn about object recognition. Additionally, the repetitive action of pulling the toy along can help babies develop a sense of rhythm and pattern, which are important for their overall cognitive growth.

Nesting dolls provide a wonderful opportunity for imaginative play. As children open each doll to reveal a smaller one inside, they can create stories and scenarios, giving each doll a unique personality. This imaginative play helps children develop their creativity and storytelling abilities. As children grasp, twist, and stack the dolls, their fine motor skills get developed and their focus and patience improve. Because nesting dolls come in different sizes and designs, children are forced to figure out the correct order in which to open and close them. By experimenting with different combinations, children learn to think critically and develop logical reasoning.These dolls give an opportunity for children to practice counting and size recognition. As they stack the dolls from largest to smallest or vice versa, they can reinforce their understanding of size relationships and numerical order.

Spinning tops have been a popular toy for centuries, captivating children and adults alike. But did you know that playing with a spinning top offers more than just entertainment? Spinning tops require precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to set them in motion. As children spin the top, they develop their dexterity and learn to control their movements, which can have a positive impact on their overall motor skills development. As children observe the spinning motion and predict its behavior, it enhances their ability to focus, concentrate, and problem-solve. It also introduces them to basic physics concepts such as motion, balance, and gravity. Spinning tops can be enjoyed alone or with others, making them a great tool for promoting social interaction. Children can take turns spinning the top, compete in friendly challenges, or even engage in collaborative play where they create spinning top tricks together. This type of play helps children develop important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation.

 

By playing board games regularly, you can enhance your cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, logical reasoning, and spatial awareness which help sharpen your mind. Whether you're playing with family, friends, or even strangers, board games encourage communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They can help develop important social skills like taking turns, following rules, and resolving conflicts, all while having a great time. Board games offer a fantastic escape from daily stressors and can help you disconnect from technology and work-related pressures. Engaging in a board game session allows you to focus on the present moment, have fun, and forget about your worries for a while. Instead of being glued to screens or engaging in separate activities, playing board games allows families to connect, communicate, and create lasting memories. It's a chance to laugh, share stories, and strengthen the bonds between family members.

So go ahead and explore many other options like balancing dolls, kitchen sets, whistles, stacking pots and merry-go-rounds available at Smris. Let your child play and also learn through play.