The educational and developmental skills of children have been a concern of educators and parents for decades in the United States. From public school, to home school and the advent of charter cyber school, the concern and war against illiteracy marches on. On January 8, 2002 the “No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001” was sign into law by President George W. Bush. The NCLB Act places great emphasis upon improving the educational performance of children in primary and secondary schools in the United States. However, the NCLB Act does not consider children in the early childhood development ages, 1 -5 years of age.
Studies indicate that the brain region that helps children sense and interpret the world around them is dramatically affected by early childhood experiences. Most researchers agree that the early years of a child’s development are the most critical and it is during these early years that educational and developmental skills prepare children for their future.
The truth be known, any toy that a child engages during playtime as well as every experience they have does affect and develop the brain. However, educational toys because of there interactive nature, when introduced into a child’s playtime contribute to their cognitive skills. Even babies, although they do not play very much, still need to be introduced to the world around them because their gross motor skills begin to develop as well as their senses. But toddlers are in an entirely different world. Toddlers begin to quickly learn about the world around them. Their curiosity causes their imaginations to grow, eye hand coordination develops, verbal skills increase, logic helps them with problem solving, they learn to socialize with others and accomplish individual achievement.
Today because we place great emphasis on education, many parents are making changes in how their children spend their time. They are realizing that educational play during their child’s early years will have both short term and long term benefits. However, parents must keep in mind that the success of a child’s early educational and developmental skills do not hinge on educational play alone. There is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child. So take quality time and make the investment into your child’s future, because educational play is FUN-damental.
