Post on 15-Jan-2016
transcript
Chapter 10
Selecting Toys, Equipment, and
Educational Materials
Selection Criteria
Consideration when selecting toys and equipment.
Program Goals
Classroom toys and equipment should reflect program goals.
If a program goal is to have the children develop language skills, then language materials should be placed in the classroom. Books Pictures CDs Alphabet cards Puppets
Budget
To stay within the budget, follow these guidelines: First purchase
the basics. Tables Chairs Shelving units
Balance
Before buying equipment, review each item to decide if it adds balance to the items already available. Can the item be used with other toys? Will it help children reach goals that are not met
sufficiently with current toys? Will it promote interaction with peers? Will it balance toys for all areas of
development?
Space
Keep in mind the space and storage needed for any new items. Large pieces of equipment
Maintenance
All toys and equipment require maintenance. The care required
varies with the type of toy or equipment and the amount of use.
Plastic items require less upkeep than metal or wooden ones.
Durability
Children’s toys need to be durable. Children bang, drop,
and stand on them. When angry, children
may even throw toys. Materials that are
durable: wood cloth
Quantity
In most classrooms, it is common to find two or more children playing with the same toys.
To promote cooperation, supply an ample amount of toys.
Studies show that children who have been exposed to a wide variety of toys are more imaginative and creative.
Child Involvement
Choose toys that will actively involve children.
Avoid spectator toys (toys that require little action on the child’s part). Battery-powered cars Talking dolls
Brainstorm
Provide examples of toys that actively involve children.
Developmentally Appropriate Toys
Children's physical age and developmental age are often quite different. Physical age (also known as chronological
age): age determined by a birth date Developmental age: a child’s skills and growth
level compared to typical skills for that physical age group
Violence and Toys
Toys that promote aggressive behavior: superheroes monsters guns war games
Nonsexist Toys and Materials
It is important to set up an environment that is free of gender bias.
The teacher’s attitude about toys will affect what children learn about sex roles.
It is necessary to make a conscious effort to suggest a variety of toys to all children.
Multicultural Toys and Materials
Multicultural toys: toys that represent a variety of cultural or ethnic groups
Multicultural toys and materials encourage children to explore the world’s diversity learn to appreciate others develop a sense of identity
Selecting Safe Toys
To promote safety, choose toys carefully. Discard items that contain any of the following
safety hazards: breakable piece sharp edge or points small parts toxic materials toys with long cords toys with small beadlike objects inside
Proper Developmental Design
Proper developmental design features include equipment designed closer to the ground railings on ramps low platforms with few access points railings on decks over three feet high covers or canopies over sand tables
Protective Surfacing
Unitary surfacing materials Rubber mats Blend of rubber-like materials
Loose fill impact absorbing materials Wood chips Mulch Rubber mats Tile systems Sand
Equipment Maintenance
Well-maintained playgrounds provide greater production and less risk. Loose screws and bolts Sharp edges Broken or missing parts Open pipes Tripping hazards
Safety
General hazards to avoid include exposed pinch-crush parts on seesaws or
gliders head entrapment openings open-end S-rings on swing sets hard swing seats exposed screws or sharp edges hot metal playground equipment
Appeal
If the equipment does not appeal to children, they will not use it.
Children prefer to have a variety of equipment, they enjoy being able to push pull balance swing slide
Maintenance
Choose equipment that is durable. For durability and safety, many of
the playgrounds are constructed from plastic metal wood
Buying Consumable Supplies
Consumable supplies: materials that cannot be used more than once Clay Paper Paint Paste Glue