large empty box!
• It’s OK to pretend in public: Just
about any outing gives kids the
perfect backdrop and inspiration
for imaginative play - and lets
them burn off energy! You can
kick things off with a simple “what
if ” statement such as, “What if the
playset was a ship at sea?” And
just watch as the kids take over
and do the rest!
• Say hello to their imaginary
friends: As they talk, listen to
and have adventures with a
doll, stuffed animal or action
figure, they’re developing their
understanding of relationships.
They’re also learning something
about expressing emotion and
connecting with others. So when draws children in and enhances
they ask you to say good night to imaginative play.
Teddy, just go with it!
“Calico Critters delivers a rich play
Also helpful in the development of experience for kids,” says Chris Byrne,
imaginative play are playsets that aka The Toy Guy, who specializes in
encourage open-ended, interactive following and analyzing current toy
experiences. Calico Critters, featuring trends and promoting the benefits
a focus on “Nature, Family and of toys and play. “The scope of the
Love,” offers a variety of detailed world and the various characters are
environments, complete with a cast of brought to life in the imagination,
all kinds of critters to engage children giving kids a chance to contextualize
to explore their imaginations. The their experiences, explore their
new Town Series Grand Department personalities, and engage in the sheer
Store introduces a new character, fun of storytelling and creativity. It’s
Stella Hopscotch Rabbit, who works the kind of active, engaged play that
as a dress designer. It features elegant, supports healthy intellectual and
sophisticated styling and a unified emotional development.”
design for even more freedom with
the layout. With finely sculpted areas To learn more about Calico Critters,
and exquisite attention to detail, it visit calicocritters.com.
JANUARY 2019
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
11