Journal of Education and Human Development

Selecting Toys for Preschoolers and Kindergartners
Kostas Karadimitriou

Abstract
Public knowledge in matters of toy evaluation seems to be limited. The aim of this article is to inform and raise awareness amongst stakeholders (parents, teachers, etc.) on key issues related to the selection and exploitation of toys for preschoolers and kindergartners. Our key positions are that toys can be linked to key aspects of the development of the preschool child (cognitive, social, physical and emotional) and that toy selection criteria must be part of the idea to create a wider play environment (at home, in kindergarten or in preschool centers), where children will be able to engage in all types of play. The importance of toys and play classification and the role of adults for the accomplishment of this objective are discussed. Moreover child safety, interests and abilities of the child, patterns of behavior, design features, manufacturing quality and cost of the toys are analyzed as they are important factors that should be considered from adults before selecting which toy to buy.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v8n1a16