Research/Observation 1 Toy Story: How Cognitively Stimulating Are Children’s Toy

Question

Research/Observation 1

Toy Story: How Cognitively Stimulating Are Children’s Toys?

Toys are usually designed to stimulate infants and children cognitively. This activity invites students to visit toy stores that sell toys to infants and take notes on the toys available and the manufacturer's claims about those toys (including the appropriate ages the toy is designed for). Students will then write a 2-4 page critique of toys for infants comparing what they found on their toy store visits with course material on infant cognitive development (especially perceptual development).

The Activity:

Course material on infant motor and perceptual abilities should be covered and reviewed by students prior to conducting this activity. Students should be encouraged to develop a checklist of information relevant to this activity (ages toy designed for, benefits of toy for development, cost, durability, etc.) prior to visiting toy stores. Such prior preparation will shorten the time needed to be in an actual store. Students should be encouraged to be unobtrusive in evaluating toys and to avoid denying access to toys by customers. It may become necessary in conducting this activity to speak with a store manager about the purpose of the activity however, the less attention you draw to yourself the better. In some cases, such procedures may prove helpful, as manager or clerks may be able to provide information to help students with this activity. However, any information obtained should be that which is readily available to parents who might be shopping for cognitively stimulating toys for their child. “Data” obtained from the toy stores can then be incorporated into the short, written report (2 to 4 pages) integrating course material.

(Although many of us do our shopping online these days virtual shopping doesn’t allow for the experience of touching, holding and “trying out” the toy.  However, if absolutely necessary, a virtual research experience will be accepted.  

Materials:

Students will need to develop a checklist of characteristics to look for in the toys they will critique. They will take the list to the toy stores with them. Students should look for toys designed for various ages such as birth to 3 months, 6 months, 12 to 18 months, etc. I suggest they examine toys and packaging for some of the following characteristics:

1)     Ages toy is recommended for?

2)     Is the toy pitched to one particular gender?

3)     What does the toy cost?

4)     What might parents do with the toy when interacting with their child?

5)     What are the general developmental benefits of this toy according to the manufacturer?

6)     Does this toy seem designed to stimulate specific cognitive abilities such as perceptual abilities or tactile senses, etc.?

7)     How durable does the toy appear to be? Is it washable?

8)     Are there any other notable characteristics of this toy in terms of infant development?

Procedures:

1)     Before students conduct this activity, it is advisable for them to create their checklists. Students must be sensitive to the fact that businesses want to sell toys and that they may not be happy with your criticizing toys in earshot of customers. Thus, students should conduct their review of the toys as unobtrusively and quietly as possible, being careful not to derogate a toy while in the store, or be disruptive in any way—be respectful! (I’d hate to hear of any of my students getting arrested….smile)

2)     Next, students should conduct visits and collect data. It is advisable to visit the big guns stores such as Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Wal-Martor Targetare good options.  Students should visit at least one place that sells toys for infants and children.

3)     In terms of the data, please attach completed checklists for each toy evaluated. A minimum of 6 toys should be evaluated.  Such data should be incorporated into the report, along with integration of course material. It is not sufficient for students to simply say all toys are good. Rather, students should evaluate the veracity and practicality of the manufacturer's claims about particular toys in light of course material.

4)     The written report should follow APA guidelines and formatting requirements.  Points will be deducted for this omission.  Include the retail facility you visited along with each of the individual toys you evaluated.  The report should be no fewer than 2 pages in length.  You will be evaluated on format, ability to follow directions, demonstration of your understanding of the assignment as well as the integration of pertinent information from the text.  Additionally, grammar, spelling, organization and content will be evaluated.  This assignment is worth 50 points and there will be a total of 3 due throughout the semester.

Explanation / Answer

1)ages toy are recommended for various birth ages like 3 months, 6 months ,12 to 18 months etc.

2)No toy isn't pitched for any particular gender. Toys are for all gender kids.

3)The toy cost varies for stores to stores to toys to toys. There is wide range of toys and available at different range of cost.

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