Toys For Thought

Mon., Nov. 20, 2000

By Kandis Carper kandisc@spokesman.com

“Play is the work of childhood,” says Dr. Wade Horn, author and child psychologist. “It hones a variety of skills, sharpens perceptions and teaches children valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them.”

Very young children learn to comprehend the physical world surrounding them by playing with toys of different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Play builds an understanding of social relationships, cooperation, sharing and communication in older children.

In addition to learning, Horn states that children also need play as an outlet for their energies and as a way to have fun and enjoy themselves.

Here are some tips for parents and gift-givers when buying toys this season:

* Choose toys and games that are matched to a child’s age and developmental level. If the toy is too advanced, it will frustrate and confuse the child. If it is too elementary, it will bore her.

* Look for toys that encourage social interaction.

* Try to find toys that expand knowledge, increase their reading, math and phonics skills, and improve their general knowledge.

* Choose toys and games that encourage creativity and imagination as well as problem-solving skills.

* Make sure the toys are safe.

* Look for toys and games that you will enjoy along with your kids, helping build strong parent-child relationships.

* Remember that toys and games are meant to be enjoyed. Toys should be educational and interactive, but also fun, whether kids are alone or with friends.

* Top 10 toys: The votes are in. The top ten toys selected by 400 boys and girls, ages 4-11, from 15 cities nationwide in the 13th annual Duracell Ultra Kids’ Choice Toy Survey are the following:

1. Poo-Chi, an interactive puppy by Tiger Electronics, $30, for kids ages 4 and up.

2. Slithering Jake the RC Snake, remote-controlled snake by Fisher-Price, $34.99, for kids ages 3 and up.

3. Championship Challenge, a soccer stadium kids design with Lego pieces. Then they stage their own challenges using the game’s mini-players, by Lego Co., $49.99, for kids ages 7 and up.

4. Dragonfly, a radio-controlled stunt vehicle by Toymax, $69.99, for kids ages 8 and up.

5. Micro Machines NASCAR Raceway Playset, a mini-raceway with wind-up cars by Hasbro, $21.99, for kids ages 4 and up.

6. Max Steel Action Figures by Mattel, $19.99, for kids ages 3 and up.

7. Crayola Color Wonder Fun Desk for totally mess-free coloring by Binney & Smith, $16.99, recommended for kids ages 3 and up.

8. Explorer Globe, this talking globe brings world geography to life, by Leap Frog, $99.99, for kids ages 8 and up.

9. Frigits Deluxe consists of magnetic chutes, wheels and funnels, by Think of It!, $29.99, for kids 7 and up.

10. Feltland Starter House. Kids create a three-dimensional world with modular felt rooms that stack together. They can decorate their dream house with furniture, windows, pictures and their own creations, by Small World Toys, $25, for kids ages 3 and up.

Happy shopping, and remember, think FUN.

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