The first object - History of Toys
The first object a child gets attached after parents is a toy. Playing with toys play an important part in growth and development of children as playing is nothing but learning new things by repetition leading to learning. Young children need toys to discover their identity, to form and strengthen social bonds. Toys play a dual role of entertaining and educating children. They enhance cognitive behavior, stimulates creativity, help children in physical development and mental skills which are necessary in later life.
History of Toys:
The origin of toys is prehistoric. The word "Toy" is unknown but it is believed that it was first used in 14th century. The oldest known doll toy is to be from 4000 years old. Oldest toys and games have seen light from excavations of Indus valley civilization (3010-1500BC) which included small carts, whistles shaped like birds, toy monkeys which could slide down a string. The earliest toys were made of material like rocks, stones, sticks and clay.
If we look at oldest Egyptian civilization, children played with dolls that had wigs and movable limbs which were made from stone, pottery and wood. They included spinning tops, balls of springs and wooden models of animals with movable parts.
In ancient Greece and ancient Rome children played with dolls made of wax or terracotta, sticks, bows and arrows and yoyos. The oldest known mechanical puzzle came from Greece. The puzzle consisted of a square divided into 14 parts that aim to create different shapes from these pieces.
In 18th century a variety of toys were manufactured. John Spilsbury invented the first jigsaw puzzle to help children learn geography. The Rocking Horse was developed in England at the same time. Blowing bubbles from leftover washing soap a popular pastime as shown in the painting by Jean Baplistc-Simeon Chardin. Other popular toys included hoops, to wagons, kites, spinning wheel and puppets.
In 19th century the emphasis was put on educational toys. Some of them were puzzles, books, cards and board games. More complex mechanical and optics based toys were also invented one of them is Kaleidoscope which was invented by Sir David Breuster in 1817. The Golden age of toy development was at the turn of 20th century. After world war II, more affluent and new technology and plastic toy manufacturers became available.
Role of toys in Child Development:
Research and theory of child development emphasizes play as a crucial aspect of development in every way. It affects Cognitive Development, Social and Emotional Development and Language Development. Toys encourage certain personality traits or styles of playing. For example a child playing with toys that encourage aggression he or she develops aggressive personality traits. So, parents need to be cautious in giving the type of toys giving to children.
From early stage of infancy, parents need to know the kind of toy to be purchased that supports their child’s healthy over all development. Researchers characterize babies and young children as little Scientists while they are playing. They have encouraged basic toys as they promote math skills and problem solving and creativity. Parents need to select the toys or play material which are age specific and development need basis. Hence parents must know the development stages and combinations of developments going together.
We will be providing even the tiniest details in future blogs. So keep browsing for upcoming posts which will be very helpful for young parents.
- Dr. S. Prasanthi PhD (Human Development and Family Studies), Subject Matter Specialist, Acharya N G Ranga Agriculture University.