From a young age, children are taught and nurtured by their parents and grandparents, planting seeds of wisdom. In that journey, toys play a vital role, acting as companions that help children explore the world, develop skills, thinking, and imagination.
What are DIY Preschool Toys?
DIY preschool toys are products made from simple, readily available materials, created by teachers or parents, and suitable for the age and developmental needs of children.
Why Use DIY Preschool Toys?
“Penny wise, pound foolish” – an old saying emphasizes the value of self-made items.
1. Cost-Effective:
DIY preschool toys are often made from readily available, inexpensive materials such as plastic bottles, newspapers, and fabric scraps, saving significant costs compared to buying ready-made toys.
2. Boost Creativity:
Making toys with their own hands helps children develop creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
3. Tailored to Children’s Developmental Needs:
DIY toys can be designed according to the needs and interests of children, helping them learn and develop holistically.
4. Strengthen Bonds:
Creating toys together is a fun activity that strengthens the bond between teachers, parents, and children.
Creative Ideas for DIY Preschool Toys
“Gold is tested by fire, strength is tested by adversity,” creating DIY toys also requires patience and creativity.
1. Toys from Plastic Bottles:
- Cars: Use plastic bottles to cut, shape, and decorate into unique toy cars.
- Flower Pots: Decorate plastic bottles into cute flower pots, helping children learn how to care for plants.
- Picture Frames: Use plastic bottles cut into frames for children to create unique pictures.
2. Toys from Newspapers:
- Puppets: Use newspapers to fold into funny puppets, helping children develop performance skills.
- Boats: Use rolled newspapers to shape and decorate into unique boats.
- Puzzles: Use newspapers cut into puzzle pieces of animals, letters, etc., for children to play jigsaw puzzles.
3. Toys from Fabric Scraps:
- Dolls: Use fabric scraps to sew into cute dolls, helping children develop fine motor skills.
- Stuffed Animals: Use fabric scraps and stuffing to shape into adorable stuffed animals.
- Bags: Use fabric scraps to sew into cute handbags, helping children get acquainted with organizing belongings.
Notes When Using DIY Preschool Toys
“Safety first,” when using DIY toys, pay attention to the following:
- Use safe, non-toxic materials for children.
- Check the product carefully before letting children play.
- Supervise children when they play with DIY toys.
- Guide children on how to play safely.
Preschool Education Expert Shares Experience
“Actions speak louder than words,” according to Tran Thi Thu Huong, a renowned preschool education expert and author of the book “Creative Preschool Education”: “DIY preschool toys are an effective educational method, helping children develop holistically. Parents and teachers need to be proactive in creating and utilizing simple materials to make beneficial toys for children.”
Conclusion
“Dripping water wears away a stone,” creating DIY toys for children is not just a fun and entertaining activity but also an effective educational method. Let’s join hands to create beneficial toys, helping children develop comprehensively.
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