By Katie Riley
 
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
 
The holiday season provides the opportunity to unabashedly spoil the children in your life. But with so many options, which toys are the best for helping them learn and develop while having fun?
 
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers some tips for selecting toys that will make the most of play time. Playing is an essential activity that facilitates a child’s social, physical, and cognitive development, all while having a good time. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them.
 
“Selecting a toy can be overwhelming,” says Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, pediatric coordinator at the American Occupational Therapy Association. “These guidelines help consumers to be more contemplative about play when selecting a toy and can help them to evaluate a toy rather than making a knee-jerk purchase based on packaging or where an item is placed on the shelf.”
 
Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in play as it relates to development and offer the following questions for consumers to consider as guidelines when gift-buying for children:
 
Is the toy safe and age appropriate? If the suggested age range is too young for the child, he or she may get bored quickly. If the range is too old, the child may get frustrated and give up, or be exposed to small parts that could pose a safety risk. Be mindful of your niece’s or nephew’s development in terms of his or her strengths, interests, and abilities.
 
Can the toy be played with in more than one way? Toys that offer unlimited possibilities can tap into the child’s creativity. Blocks can be stacked, knocked down, lined up, crashed into, and even substituted for play food in a pretend kitchen.
 
Does the toy appeal to several senses? Children’s attention is captured by exciting colors, sounds, lights, and textures. Toys that encourage them to push buttons, move parts, open doors, or sort shapes will often lengthen play time.
 
Can the toy be used in more than one place or position? Toys that are easy to carry or can be used while sitting, standing, or even lying down make play possible anywhere. Crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk, a baby gym, and plastic rings can be used in a variety of locations.
 
Does the toy involve the use of both hands? Moving parts, buttons, and gears encourage activity and movement. Construction toys, craft kits, puzzles, balls, riding toys, and toss-and-catch sets all promote motor skill development at different ages.
 
Does the toy encourage thinking or solving problems? Board games and science kits offer older kids the chance to use thinking skills in a new way, while shape sorters, puzzles, or a Jack-in-the box are great for babies and toddlers.
 
Does the toy encourage communication and interaction? Dress-up clothes, costumes, playhouses, kitchen sets, and tools can all be used with more than one child to teach cooperation and negotiation and foster imagination.
 
Is the toy worth the cost? Consider the appeal of the toy and its durability. Can you substitute the toy you are considering with something that you already have at home?
 
“Occupational therapy practitioners recognize play as an occupation [activity] because it is purposeful and meaningful to a child’s development. Play can involve cognitive demands like problem solving, social demands like sharing, and motor and coordination skills like manipulating or activating a toy,” Schefkind says. “These tips promote the opportunity to engage the child, challenge the child, and support the child and his or her family in using play to foster growth and development.”
 
AOTA offers a Checklist for Toy Shopping to help consumers purchase age-appropriate toys.

Photo: Stuart Miles
Published: November 13, 2012