Radio Commentary
Parents
on a budget should not worry about buying expensive toys, especially with the
holidays now over.
Children learn just as well — and maybe even better —
when they play with household items and simple toys. The trick is to see things
“through a child’s eyes.”
Don’t throw away empty paper towel tubes. Four year olds
love to look and talk through them.
A stack of discarded envelopes can be just the thing for
playing “office.” And, an old purse may be ideal for toting a child’s
treasures.
Children love to use paint, crayons, pencils, and chalk
to scribble or practice drawing. Cookie dough and clay are great for making
sculptures, letters, and shapes.
Other free or inexpensive playthings your child will love
to learn with include:
• Aluminum
pie tins
• Wooden
spoons
• Balls of
all sizes (except those small enough to swallow)
• Sponges
• Measuring
spoons and cups
• Blocks
that stack or fit together
• Plastic
dishes
• Old
clothes for dress-up
• And, boxes
galore.
Children can play with simple toys in many ways. The best
part is that there’s no one right way.
Exploring
different ways to play with a toy helps children be creative and solve
problems. These are all useful skills for school success.
