Understanding the role of toys in child development: Special focus on traditional channapatna toys

Ms. Sampurna Guha; Mrs. Kamamakshamma Murthy

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2017

Understanding the role of toys in child development: Special focus on traditional channapatna toys

Ms. Sampurna Guha, Mrs. Kamamakshamma Murthy

Abstract :

Play is an integral component of all childhood activities. Play provides rich and stimulating experiences to the growing child. Children who do not engage in play behavior or do so only for short periods of time are found to display stress behaviors like rocking and wiggling. They have low self–esteem and are less advanced in motor, academic, language and social skills (Berk, 2009). Many research studies have explored the impact of peers, teachers, families, home and school environment on play interactions. But there is a dearth of research focus on the impact of toys on child development. The results of some studies conducted in the past indicate a powerful influence of toys on children’s thinking, social interaction and creative expression. In fact, different toys influence children’s behavior in different ways (Aber et. al., 2007). The use of toys varies across culture, age, gender, economic status, children and families. Recent data also reveals a shifting trend in the gender specific use of toys with girls preferring to play with toys traditionally viewed as male oriented. This paper aims to attempt to understand the importance of toys in child development, explore the types of toys with respect to target areas of child development and developmental stage of the child and also to appreciate the unique features of traditional wooden ‘channapatna’ toys.