| For Immediate Release: Dec. 10, 2009 |
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NAEYC provides tips for holiday toy shopping
(Washington, D.C.) – Toys are often at the top of the wish list for children around the holiday season. That’s why the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) wants to make sure that when adults make their gift choices for children, they choose toys that are safe, educational, and appropriate for according to age and development.
With all the choices out there, it is easy to get lost in the array of options available for children’s toys. Selecting toys for young children involves decisions about the kinds of interest, motivation and skills we want children to develop. The way children play and the objects and materials they use lays a foundation for future learning and development.
To make holiday shopping a bit easier, NAEYC offers the following toy-choosing tips:
Find toys that will keep a child engaged for more than a few days. The more things a child can do with a toy, the more likely he or she is to remain interested.
- Art materials are great gifts for any age because they foster creativity and help children develop literacy skills.
- Toys that teach children to use their imaginations, solve problems, build muscles or figure out how things work are great gift ideas.
- Toys should also be chosen to be suitable for individual play or to encourage learning to play with others.
- Toys for young children should be well-made (with no sharp parts or splinters and do not pinch); painted with nontoxic, lead-free paint; shatter-proof; and easily cleaned.
- Electric toys should be “UL Approved.” Be sure to check the label, which should indicate that the toy has been approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratories.
Regardless of gift-giving traditions, the holidays are also a great time to encourage parents to spend time with their children. Using some time off to play a game or puzzle or read a story can be relaxing and educational for children and adults alike. For more information on what toys are developmentally appropriate for certain age groups, visit http://www.naeyc.org/ecp/resources/goodtoys.
Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has nearly 90,000 members worldwide. The association is the largest and most influential advocate for early care and education in the United States.
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Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest and most influential advocate for high-quality early care and education in the United States.
