SOFT-TOYS ARE MORE THAN CUTE PLAYTHINGS
-
admin
- Posted on
- 0 comments
Soft-toys reign the ‘favourites’ list when it comes to children, but they’re no typical toys. In addition to being cuddly companions, soft-toys are key to children’s development in their formative years. They act as a portal to the fundamental knowledge of the world, utilising their colours, shapes and sizes. Not limited to illustrations of animals, soft-toys can be customised into children’s favourite characters, dolls or even figures, ultimately incorporating some fun lessons for the little ones.
THE FUNDAMENTALS
Soft-toys can serve the purpose of education just as much as they do playing. Incorporating learning elements in their anatomy, such as adding numbers, specific colours or shapes on the body of the toy, can simplify the process of introducing these concepts to children. Some toys go the extra mile of including sound systems (some of them interactive) to make the process more expansive. At Ashdan, we have included a variety of lesser-known animal toys to develop a sense of curiosity amongst the children. Thanks to such innovations, both kindergartens and parents can become agents for their babies’ education.
AN EXPRESSIVE AID
It’s no revelation that soft toys are a safe space for children. Children can both explore and express their emotions with their companions’ help. Through role-play, they can delve into feelings of happiness, anger, sadness or fear, and develop an awareness of recognizing and managing their emotions. This can help them be considerate and sensitive, both towards themselves and to others.
TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK
Believe it or not, soft-toys are most children’s sounding boards. Whether it’s incoherent babbling or distinct speech, children bare their innermost parts to these soft-toys. They engage in increasingly complex conversations with their stuffed toys, whether it’s giving an account of their day, discussing favorite events or even expressing their feelings. Parents and teachers can drive this process by talking to the children and their soft-toys. Such interactions help improve the child’s language and build their skills in an enjoyable and engaging way.
THE PEOPLE SKILLS
Thanks to them being trusted partner in many imaginary play scenarios, soft toys often represent real people. From doctor visits to school lessons, the toys help children practice social norms and navigate social situations. They’re also a connecting link between the children and their peers, wherein friendships can blossom over a shared love for a particular toy, also creating a sense of belonging among them.
CONCLUSION
A fascinating research conducted by Japanese scholars attempted to study the impact of soft-toys on their children’s learning. In the study, a bunch of soft-toys belonging to different children were left overnight in a library for a ‘sleepover’, and were photographed ‘reading’ and ‘discussing’ books. As a result, children were increasingly found to read to their soft-toys, thus ingeniously developing their habit of reading.
This example is only one of many, but it makes clear as day the significance of these cuddle-buddies in the holistic development of children. That is why Ashdan has created a line of soft toys not just for bedtime cuddles, but also for stimulating the children’s senses. At Ashdan, we support all work through all play; let our soft toys be your cheerleaders!
