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Close observation of children at play suggests that they find out about the world in the same way as scientists find out about new phenonoma and test new ideas. Young children may not be able to verbalize new ideas forming in their heads, but they may still apply similar processes to scientists. During this exploration, all the senses are used to observe and draw conclusions about objects and events through simple, if crude, scientific investigations.
--Judith Roden, Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University College
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Sensory Development
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When you think about toys for sensory development, keep in mind the senses which one can most easily access in a toy: touch, sight, hearing and to a lesser extent, smell. Not all toys are going to engage all of the senses, but for a child with CP more sensory stimulation is, generally speaking, advantageous.
For the very young
Mobiles with motion and music. Some can be found with lights as well. Rattles that have music or sound then activated. Below are examples for infants and toddlers
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A great first activity toy! Features mirror, spinning ball, counting rings, spinning drum, mirror with colorful beads plus a squeaker. By Tolo available from Small World Toy. Age: from 6 months
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Baby Buzz’r Great for starting giggles and stopping wiggles! Cute happy face has teethable ears plus a mirror on back. Blue button produces flashing lights, green button creates vibration and red button plays classical lullabies. Turns off automatically after two minutes. Age: from 3 months.
Available from Small World Toys |
| The Mozart Magic Cube is a true breakthrough in music education, and makes learning music child’s play. This exciting learning toy teaches how sounds combine to form true polyphonic music, and is appropriate for all ages. With the push of a single button, a child can compose and arrange millions of Mozart musical masterpieces. Manufactured by Munchkins, Inc. |
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WACKY STICK - The original squiggly stick with super funny sounds has proven to be one of the best selling Tomy items ever! This is the perfect preschool toy for little ones who can't resist the temptation to 'bop' everything in site. The ultra-safe design keeps furniture and floors free of dings and scratches. Requires 3 "LR44" (button cell) batteries, included. Ages 12 months +
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As the child gets a little older, jack in the boxes may be a possibility as well as other music boxes that have an adapted switch or easy to manage on/off switches, xylophones, musical instruments that a child blows into (can help with breathing exercises too), bells or the Mozart Cube by Munchkin which adds or deletes an instrument as you touch that side of the cube.
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Ribbets the Rhythm Frog - soft huggable playmate and unique music teacher. Two soft maracas really sound and can be removed from Ribbets' hands. Two jingling bell bracelets can be worn by baby or parent. Each of the toes squeak when squeezed. He carries a backback with a canasta ladybug friend inside that can also be played. 13" tall with multiple textures for added tactile exploration. Early Years by International Playthings
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There are simple puzzles that have either texture matching or puzzle pieces covered in various textures. There are board books that have texture and activities on the pages as well as some where there are sound keys on the side that correspond to visuals on the page. The books by Eric Carle are especially colorful such as Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear
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| Audio lotto games where children hear animal or everyday sounds and then match with picture of the object associated with that sound |
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