27 Oct Remember that companies want you to buy their products, so in order to develop a broader consumer client base, they expand the age appropriateness on their products.

Dr. Gayle’s Tip:

Remember that companies want you to buy their products, so in order to develop a broader consumer client base, they expand the age appropriateness on their products.  For example, have you ever seen a toy that says, this is appropriate for ages 2 to 14?  I mean think about this???  A product that is appropriate for a two year AND a 14-year old? REALLY?  Take time to consider the number of pieces, sizes of pieces, complexity, challenges, does it require guidance, can it be used in violent ways???

You should use our module text to help support your explanation, but here are a few cool articles as well: 

https://www.gifts.com/blog/age-appropriate-toysLinks to an external site.

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/play/toysLinks to an external site. 

Instructions:

STEP 1: Either go to a toy store or find some toys online. Pick toys that would be appropriate for the early childhood stage of PHYSICAL development. Focus on toys that will assist children as they develop gross and fine motor skills:

STEP 2: Select three age-appropriate toys. Describe the toys and their purpose.

STEP 3: Explain why the toys you chose are appropriate for early childhood physical development. Focus on how each toy supports the development of either gross or fine motor skills. Add supporting evidence from your text or from valid websites. The explanation of each toy should be in at least one paragraph.

Example work below:

M5 – Indeoendent Activi : A Preschooler’s To 5 The first toy that I would pick for a child is a ball. Balls are affordable and convenient. They can be found anywhere and it has many potential as an interactive toy. A simple ball of any caliber can improve gross motor skills. According to Libre texts, "Children continue to improve their gross motor skills as they run and jump"(Paris 2020). A simple ball can provide the necessary needs for this requirement. A parent can make an activity with the ball so that the child won’t get bored and improve the child’s gross motor skills. The parent and child can play soccer with the ball or simply toss it to one another while moving. This way, the child can improve their endurance and hand-eye coordination. Knowing this will allow me to plan activities involving a ball that can ensure that the children under my care will developed their gross motor skills properly. Another thing that I picked is sidewalk chalk, they are appropriate for ages 3-6 (giftcom). Children around five years of age can "Hops; may be able to skip" and "Copies a triangle and other geometric shapes"( Paris 2020). The child can play hopscotch by drawing the geometric shapes on the ground using the sidewalk chalk. It will improve their gross motor skills through a balance and processing that they can jump the distance that they draw. It can also improve their fine motor skills by making their dexterity better. This allows me to see that simple things like chalk can improve both fine and gross skills. It doesn’t need to be expensive or grand; the toy just needs to be useful. Lastly is a tricycle. Tricycles are safe because they have three wheels, and a child won’t easily fall. According to Libre texts, a child that is three years old typically "Climbs well, runs easily, pedal a tricycle (3-wheel bike), Walks up and downstairs, one foot on each step" (Paris 2020). This can further improve their eye and hand coordination. They can

push back and forth the pedals with their feet while using their hands and eyes to guide their direction. It can also improve their endurance. The more they ride their tricycle, the more muscle can be developed, and the longer they can last. As a future parent, this enables me to be aware of their limitations. Not all child can do the same physical skills, so I must start with something easy and safe, which is the tricycle. References https://www.gifts.com/blog/age-appropriate-toys (Links to an external site.) Paris, Ricardo, Raymond, & Johnson. (July 21 2020). Book: Child Growth and Development. College of the Canyons. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Early_Childhood_Education/Book %3A_Child Growth and Development (Paris Ricardo Rymond and Johnson)/04%3A Physical_Development in_Infancy_and_Toddlerhood/4.07%3A_Nutrition