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