Toys Every Two Year Old Must Have!

Toys are an important part of a child’s development. They help to stimulate different parts of the brain and thus promote learning. Playing with toys also teaches a child valuable social and interpersonal skills which otherwise couldn’t be taught by an adult. In addition, some toys promote physical development.

The next time you’re out shopping for toys for your two year old, consider purchasing the following:

#1 Chunky Jigsaw

Solving a jigsaw puzzle increases your child’s concentration and alertness. It also expands their creativity. When your child has to constantly look at images, it helps with visualization which is also a necessary mental activity. Solving jigsaws reduces the heart rate and breathing rate, and therefore reduces blood pressure. 

#2 Building Blocks

Nearly every parent agrees on the importance of having building blocks but do you know why? Encouraging your child to play with building blocks increases their hand-eye co-ordination. Your child actually has to be able to place one block after another in the tower. Stacking blocks on each other takes great finger control. Over time, this activity builds on their fine motor skills. Playing with blocks helps a child with logical thinking. It teaches them about cause and effect. For instance, if the block is placed too close to the edge, the tower will topple.

#3 Ride on Trikes

Ride-on-Trikes is an excellent toy for your child as they promote and teach many physical aspects of development. When your child sits on a trike and moves about, they have to learn how to balance their body. Secondly, to be able to move around on the trike, your child has to learn multi-tasking i.e. move their legs forward while balancing their upper body. In addition to being fun, moving around on a ride ontriketakes a lot of effort which is good exercise for your child.

#4 Wooden Alphabet Matching

Never mistake letter manipulatives for being ‘just toys’. Alphabet matching games are actually precursors to literacy. When your child is trying to match the letter with the cutout, it actually requires great hand-eye coordination. They actually have to feel the shape of the letter to be able to match it correctly. With time, it builds on letter recognition. Have your child start with picking out letters in his or her name. In addition, while playing with the wooden alphabet matching game your child will be able to work on letter sounds and associating the letter with the corresponding sound. Eventually, your child will be able to put together simple three-letter words such as ‘dog’, ‘cat’ and ‘mom’.

#5 Books

Books are a child’s best toy. Opportunities for learning abound with a simple book. Through story time, your child will learn about the world and its many experiences. Start with books that have vivid pictures and gradually work towards longer stories, especially ones with moral lessons. After reading a story, ask your child some questions about it. You may also consider reading classics such as ‘Jack and the beanstalk’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs’.

Toys are an important part of learning and development. The right toys can help promote your child’s social and intellectual learning. For more ideas about toys for two-year-olds, visit The World Boutique.