By: Stephanie Castleman-Blume

Walking aimlessly down the isle of my local area toy store I could not help but notice the array of toys and games for my toddler. Each new and confusing item promised me instant success for my child claiming such benefits as “reading sooner”, “expert tested”, “teacher tested” and “boosts brain development”. “If I don’t buy these items I must be a terrible parent” was all that I could think about. What is a parent to do?

I thought about my time as a Head Start teacher and remembered the important concepts of High Scope. The philosophy behind High Scope, based on Jean Piaget's ideas, is that children should be involved actively and authentically in their own learning. They "learn by doing", often working with natural hands on materials and carrying out projects of their own choosing. The adults working with the children should see themselves more as facilitators or partners than managers or supervisors. High Scope's approach encompasses all aspects of child development and involves teachers and parents in supporting and extending children's emotional, intellectual, social, and physical skills and abilities. I love this model and now that I am a parent I should be living it in my own home. Do battery operated toys that talk and sing, which substitutes parent involvement, really support authentic learning for my child?

I also remembered the advice of a seasoned teacher friend. She told me that all children need in a good toy that includes three things: the ability to Predict (P), the ability to Create (C) and the ability to Analyze (A). I try to remember PCA when I walk into any toy store. When I pick up a toy with my child in mind I often ask myself, “Could my child predict what might happen with this toy…. if he stacks the blocks will they fall?” Then, I ask myself, “Can my child create in various ways with this toy or is the toy limited to only one use?” Lastly, I ask myself, “Can my child analyze or review what happened with this toy?” Good examples of these types of toys that offer PCA are items like wooden blocks, marble runs, shape sorting boxes, nesting and stacking boxes and threading beads.

You can find most of these quality toys in wood rather than plastic which is another bonus. I like a toy that will last and can be handed down to another child. You might spend more money on a quality toy, but it should last through several children. My child is growing up fast and as he outgrows some of his sweet wooden toys I wrap each one in cloth and store it away in a cedar chest. I see these toys as heirlooms to be handed down to his children. Quality is not quantity and simple is better.

Happy toy hunting!