Play is an essential part of development for children. Children are able to develop key skills, and learn about the world around them through play. Yet, quality toys are expensive and children become bored quickly once their play value has been exhausted. Toy libraries give families access to a rich, variety of quality toys with minimum expense, and provide an interactive space for children, and their parents and carers.
Essentially, a toy library is a place where parents or carers can go to borrow a large variety of educational toys, puzzles and games on a regular basis. They have a range of products covering all stages of growth and development, from birth right through to teens. Toy libraries aim to support families and encourage them to spend time playing with their children.
Research has shown that more than ever, parents are keen to spend quality time with their children, to aid their development. In fact 30% of parents place a great deal of importance on their children’s development and spend four times as much time with them than their own parents did with them. Toy libraries lay emphasis on the significance of bonding between parent and child through play.
Toy libraries allow parents and carers to take home a range of educational toys, and equipment for up to six weeks at a time. Membership varies from library to library; some charge a small, annual fee whereas others ask for a donation for each item that is borrowed. Open Window Educational Library charges 400/- per month for 8 items.
The benefits of toy libraries are vast and extensive, for both parents and children.
Toy libraries are becoming more and more popular. Parents and carers are beginning to address the value of play through educational toys and equipment. Additionally, toy libraries are aware of the importance of finding toys to suit the abilities of children with special needs, and assisting them to develop their vital skills.
"if play is a child’s work then they must also have the tools for their trade"
Toy libraries encourage children to learn through play, and highlight that making it fun is nature’s way of ensuring children develop at their optimum ability. Children’s play has been closely studied by child psychologists who have catalogued the pattern of development of skills and abilities from birth.
Even tiny babies play, by moving their hands or sucking their fingers, they are learning to control the movement of their body. Development stems from birth, and the games children play are directly linked to the needs of the growing mind and body.
Games, toys, and puzzles help children to improve their motor and sensory skills. Educational toys, which stimulate mental development, are appropriate for the child’s abilities, as well as toys that are responsive to the child's movements and provide feedback when manipulated. Whether playing alone or with others, quietly or with enthusiasm, play is how children explore their world and create imaginary ones.
‘As a carer, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child solve a puzzle, or learn how to ride a bike, knowing that you have been involved somewhere along the line in that process. I find it fascinating how children can pick things up so quickly these days.’
Extensive research has shown that playful children are happier, better adjusted, more co-operative and more popular with their peers than those who play less. Children also play for longer when a wide variety of toys are available. It is not necessarily the most expensive toys that provide the greatest stimulation and enjoyment. It is better to have four or five different toys than one very expensive toy.
When selecting toys it is extremely important to bear in mind that children differ enormously in their rate of growth and development, so toys should keep pace with children's changing needs and ability levels.
Fun is the very essence of play, and to ensure a child reaches their optimum stimulation toys should be chosen that are fun for children to play with. To be fun they should match the child's maturity and challenge his or her skills. Products with lots of features, activities, bright colours, different textures and sounds are always popular choices, as they can hold a child’s attention for some time.
Children should never be begrudged the time they spend at play. It is how they learn, if play is a child’s work then they must also have the tools for their trade. Toy libraries support parents and carers by outlining the significance of spending time as a family and playing together.
Reference: http://www.familiesonline.co.uk
