Why toys and why play? Throughout this site you will find “Quotable quotes” from a variety of individuals who have in common, an understanding of the importance of play in all of our lives. A child with cerebral palsy is first and foremost a child. “Play” is the “work” of childhood and toys are the tools used in that work.
Experts agree that "constructive play":
– Is safe, wholesome and non-violent.
– Stimulates children to develop skills and positive relationships.
– Inspires children to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
– Enables children to fully realize their potential.
– Encourages creativity and helps develop a child's personality.
– Makes learning fun.
The care of your child will be a team effort. The team will consist of: parents, extended family, siblings, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, doctors, educators, nutritionists to name a few. In many of the various therapies you child may require toys can be used to make the learning more fun and enhance the overall outcome. The therapists will make recommendations based on the materials they are familiar with. Within this site you will find resources where you can go to find these and other materials which may be beneficial or which just may be fun.
Click here to find wonderful chart which helps to show how much can be gained over a broad range of areas with simple toys. It's an amazing resource.
It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.
--Leo Buscaglia, author, educator
If you have a specialty toy store in your area, the owner is likely someone who can be a resource for you as you try to find materials for your child. You can contact the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association otherwise known as ASTRA at www.astratoy.org to locate a store near you
The links page has many other excellent resources for toys and related products and organizations that you may find helpful.
|
