What Children Need for Play
Children need the following things to develop and promote play
- new experiences
- chances to explore and experiment with new materials
- uninterrupted playtime
- safe and developmentally appropriate toys (appropriate for the child’s age and ability)
- safe spaces to explore freely without being restricted
- a small amount of quiet time to process what they have learned before beginning a new activity
Children do not need fancy or expensive toys, or toys that claim to make a child smarter. The most important “toy” for young children is you. Children love the time they spend with adults, and they learn best through face-to-face interaction with other people. Young children do not necessarily need expensive toys. Play can be just as effective with everyday things from around the house, such as a box, a wooden spoon, or a plastic bowl, as with expensive toys you can buy in the store.
