Monday, October 05, 2009

Cognitive Toy

The site “Ape to Zebra” promotes childs toys that assist in cognitive development. They aren’t marketed to target the psychological field of cognition, but some of the toys seem to address relevant topics. This has not been proven and is my own theory. Take a look at the Rainbow Stacking Rings below. They come in two versions, one is on a larger scale.












Memory plays a large role in block play. Playing with this type of toy can stimulate touch perception. The blocks provide your sensory receptors with information to be stored in memory. Touch can create mental imagery, which aids in memory retention.
Memory also allows you to recall actions and motor sequences, such as the process you used to arrange the blocks. If they fell the first few times you set them up, you may reconfigure the order.

Attention might also be learned through the use of this toy. By concentrating on one aspect of the environment, you are able to focus.
Problem solving, another focus of cognitive psychology, can also be strengthened.

Research done at Temple University concludes that simpler toys such as blocks, crayons and clay are healthier for children than expensive electronic toys that don’t allow them to be expressive and make their own decisions. Unfortunately, these blocks are pricey, at 71.55 USD because the dies are all natural and the rings are made from solid wood.

1 comment:

Taissia said...
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