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Plain and Simple Toddler Play
The Benefits of Homemade Toys By Sally Goldberg, Ph.D
The following are examples of the types of toys that are especially instrumental to a child's growth and development:
Color Boxes
These are simple plastic containers covered with colored paper on their lids and filled with toys of the same color. Children can have an unending number of experiences with the containers and all their varied contents. The boxes invite play, the colored lids are attractive and the items inside are interesting to touch. Toddlers also like to empty and fill containers. When they get to open these containers and find out what's inside, that provides the element of surprise.
This kind of toy also can encourage learning through all five senses: something to see, hear, touch, taste and smell. They are personalized, too, because whatever is put in your child's container is put there by you. Start with one color. Then, add a second color box and a corresponding sorting activity. Gradually add more color boxes and many more activities.
Color Cards
Color word cards made with index cards and a marker or crayon can add to the color boxes. You also can add color borders and designs to the word cards. Because toddlers love to handle cards, they will become familiar with the basic color words printed on the color word cards.Color Books