CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR S.C. TEACHER CADET COURSE | EXPERIENCING EDUCATION, TENTH EDITION
A Trip to the Toy Store
Objective: Students will be able to evaluate developmentally appropriate toys and games.
Essential Question: In what ways do toys both reflect and develop a child?
Activities:
1. Review the previous information in the curriculum handouts about play. According to Piaget's
stages of cognitive development, preschool children use play to represent and reflect upon
people, places, and events in their world. This age child needs large, soft manipulative
toys, ones that have parts to pull apart and re-assemble, ones with pockets for hiding and
discovering things, and ones with bright colors.
As children mature, they engage in different types of play. Through play, children may grow
and exercise their capabilities, learn about their world, and cope with conflicting emotions
by re-enacting real-life situations. Types of play range from playing alone, to playing
side-by-side, to purposefully interacting with other children.
The best toys for children include those that help them simulate real-life situations, engage
in fantasy play, and try out various adult roles. Toys may also encourage children's gross
motor coordination, eye-hand coordination, and creative instincts.
2. Explain to the students that as individuals, pairs, or small groups, they are to visit a toy
store, go on-line shopping to various “virtual toy stores,” or use current toy catalogues to
become familiar with toys on the market. Assign students to find a "good" toy for each of
the following ages:
• 2 to 12 months
• 2 to 3 years old
• 4 to 5 years old
• 6 to 12 years old
Have them write down the following information in order to report back to the class: the
name of the toy, the manufacturer, the cost, and a description of the toy, including what it
allows the child to do that is developmentally appropriate for him. Instructors may have
students search for the following items to add to their “check list”:
• a lunch box with a picture of an African-American on it
• a birthday card written in Spanish
• an ethnic doll
• a board game with minority characters or pieces
• a toy or game that features a woman or a man in a non-traditional role
PAGE I – 3 -52
Theme I: Experiencing Learning
Unit 3: Growth and Development
*Optional activity