The nursery schools we run are equipped with play equipment and many pre-made toys similar to those found at home.
On the other hand, there are also many toys that have been handmade by nursery teachers.
Why do nursery school staff take time out of their busy schedules to make handmade toys?
This is because handmade toys have various benefits that commercially available toys do not have.
This time, I would like to introduce the effects that such handmade toys have on children.
The effects of handmade toys
1. Stimulate your child's imagination
Handmade toys are made from everyday materials such as cardboard and milk cartons. Seeing everyday objects transformed into toys stimulates children's imagination.
2. You can create toys that suit your child's developmental stage
We create a variety of handmade toys to help children develop.
For example, you can prepare a handmade toy with lots of buttons to practice buttoning, or make maracas out of plastic bottles. One of the great things about this is that you can make toys that grow with your child.
3. Become more dexterous
When children play with handmade toys, they develop a sense of craftsmanship, which helps them develop an attachment to the toy and makes them take better care of it. At the same time, it also helps them develop dexterity.
4. Prevent playtime from becoming monotonous
For children who spend most of their day at nursery school, the novelty of toys fades with each passing day.
Many pre-made toys have a set way of being played with, and can easily become monotonous, but adding a handmade toy to the mix can make children think for themselves, "How do I play with this?", which can really pique their interest.
Introducing popular handmade toys at nursery schools
Beginner★
A pull car made from cardboard. Put your child in the handmade car and let it go! Stick colored tape on the cardboard and make tires out of construction paper. Finally, make holes for the string and tie it up to finish.
Intermediate★★
Make an elephant's nose and tail out of a milk carton. Your child will have fun pulling on the nose and tail. You can also add construction paper eyes and ears to create your own original toy.
Advanced★★★
A kindergarten bus made from plastic bottles. The tires are made from plastic bottles and bamboo skewers. Why not try taking your child for a walk indoors or outdoors, pulling the bus and talking to them?
lastly
Handmade toys have many benefits for children. It's wonderful to see your child having fun playing with an original toy that you have made yourself.
Between the ages of 0 and 1, children's vision is blurred and they have difficulty recognizing colors and shapes, so we recommend toys that use bright colors such as primary colors, make sounds, and are easy to grasp.
As a word of caution, since toys come into direct contact with children's hands and skin, it is important to check them daily for any risk of accidental ingestion, tears, or dangerous cracks.
