Socially Inclusive Toys
Toys are a very important part of childhood. The toys children play
with help shape their view of the world. They provide entertainment while
fulfilling an educational role as well. Toys help children develop physically,
cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Toys stimulate creativity and the development of many skills which are necessary in later life such as problem-solving, working with others, sharing, taking turns, and much more. Apart from
that, children may find comfort, strength, and support in toys whenever they
have a problem. Play with toys helps children to nurture imagination and it
gives them a sense of adventure. Children use toys to entertain themselves
while simultaneously exploring the world around them, educating themselves,
role-playing, and learning to express their emotions. The choice of toys should
be based on their age, interests, and stage of development. And even when there
are no toys in sight, children will make them out of whatever they have
available at that moment.
It is noteworthy to mention that toys are often used as symbols for
other things and thus they have great potential for helping children grasp
bigger and 'more serious concepts'. For
example, toys may become 'socially inclusive'. Socially inclusive toys are the
ones that can teach children about diversity, inclusion, and different cultures.
These concepts can be taught from a very young age. Socially inclusive toys can
make us feel valued as human beings and show us that there's a whole world out
there, beyond our front door. These toys celebrate our differences and what
makes us unique. It's important for children to see themselves reflected in
their toys. Seeing – and playing with – toys that look like they do can help
build confidence and self-esteem. For example, children with disabilities will
feel more valued and accepted if they see that toys that look like them are
introduced into play. On the other hand, seeing and playing with toys that look
like people with disabilities can also nurture other emotional skills such as
compassion and empathy.
Social inclusion begins with young children's eagerness to play
together and discover new things.
Socially inclusive toys introduce the idea that, although we are all
different, everyone should be accepted and treated equally by others. Parents
and kindergarten teachers looking for toys that children want – and reflect the
diversity of humans – will find more choices than ever nowadays. Even toymakers
producing Barbie, who have long been criticized for holding girls to the unrealistic ideal of female beauty, have made significant strides in
becoming more inclusive, e.g. by designing Barbie dolls that use a wheelchair,
prosthetic limbs, Barbie dolls with brunette hair, African American Barbie
dolls, etc. Other examples of these toys may include LEGO blocks with audio
& Braille building instructions, dolls inspired by children with autism, diabetes
care kit for dolls, plastic army women, sign language blocks, multiracial
dolls, etc.
We should all remember that play is an integral part of every
child's identity development, and we can help children understand more about
equality, diversity and empathy by introducing them to socially inclusive toys.
We live in a world that is a brilliant melting pot of diversity and it's simply
part of our real life. Therefore, we have to provide opportunities for children
to play with toys that fully reflect the world around them and they will grow
up with a broader world view that will open them up to new life perspectives
and horizons.
Questions for discussion:
What is the importance of toys for children?
How are toys important for children's development?
What are 'socially inclusive toys'?
How can toys promote an understanding of diversity and inclusion?
What can an educator in kindergarten or a teacher in the lower
grades of elementary school do to promote the concepts of diversity and
inclusion among young children?
What could mainstream society do to improve inclusion?
What was your favorite toy when you were a child? Can you remember
how you played with it?
How has children's play changed over the last 50 years?
Do you think that children have too many toys these days?
What do you think about advertising for toys that is aimed at
children?
Toys and play are very important in children lives. They help them develope physically, mentally and cognitively. They improve coarse and fine motor skills. Through play children use their cognitive skills and develope them more and more. When it comes to inclusion and toys, my role model is definitely Maria Montessori. She was the first female doctor. While studying medicine, she also signed in on psychology class. Her professor started the research of children who are born in mental hospital. She wanted to join. So the main question of the research was if the children really had difficulties or was that the impact of unhealthy environment. She worked really hard. She made 5 groups of wooden materials for children play. The first one is for practical life, the second one is for stimulating sensory abilities. Third is for stimulating speech, forth is for math and the fifth is for cosmic education. Time by time, dr. Montessori taught the children to speak, to write, read and proved that the children were just in unhealthy enivronment. She took them to school where they had the most points in tests. So that's why she's my role model in preschool education and I support inclusion all the way. I hope we will have more Maria Montessori in this world.
OdgovoriIzbrišiPO II
Montessori is really good example for socially inclusive teaching.
IzbrišiAmra Avdić
(RN, 3. godina)
Can you remember what was your favorite toy when you were a child?
IzbrišiIlma Purić, RN III
A great example, thank you for reminding us of Maria Montessori and her contribution to child development.
IzbrišiMelina Dragunić, PO3
All praises to you, Sukejna, for this comment. Thank you for mentioning Maria Montessori, her rich career and her contribution to children around the world.
IzbrišiNives Pirija (ER, 2)
Dear Sukejna, thank you for learning us about persistence and will of Maria Montessori.
IzbrišiEna Brkić, RN4
Dear Sukejna, thank you for this comment!
IzbrišiNadira Odžak, RN4
Toys are a very important part of childhood. Toys that children play with help them shape their worldview. They provide entertainment and at the same time fulfill an educational role. Toys help children develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. Toys encourage creativity and the development of many skills needed in later life, such as problem solving, working with others, sharing, sharing and more. In addition, children can find comfort, strength and support in toys whenever they have problems. Playing with toys helps children nurture their imagination and gives them a sense of adventure. Children use toys to have fun, while exploring the world around them, educating themselves, playing roles, and learning to express their feelings. The choice of toys should be based on their age, interests and level of development.
IzbrišiEdisa Tahirović, PO4
Dr. Montessori has been and will always be a huge inspiration for me in terms of my career and my own desire to help the children grow.
IzbrišiKatarina Petrović, PO4
Play is a big part of a child’s life.
OdgovoriIzbrišiThat is why it is important to choose the right toys.
Toys should be useful. They should encourage the child's cognitive and psychological development.
Therefore, the toy should be attractive and interesting to the child but also useful for him.
Socially inclusive toys are a great thing. Thanks to them, children learn about empathy, but also children with developmental disabilities feel accepted. Socially inclusive toys show people's lives real, and as they really are. These toys teach children to accept and love differences between them.
Amra Avdić
(RN, 3. godina)
Can you remember what was your favorite toy when you were a child?
IzbrišiIlma Purić, RN III
What’s your favorite toy you played with as a kid, Amra?
IzbrišiMelina Dragunić, PO3
Dear Amra, have you enjoyed playing with toys?
IzbrišiEna Brkić, RN4
Dear Amra, thank you for learning us about socially inclusive. I agree with your opinion!
IzbrišiDear Amra, thank you for learning us about socially inclusive. I agree with your opinion!
IzbrišiNadira Odžak, RN4
Autor je uklonio komentar.
IzbrišiI feel like today's toys manufacturers aren't really using the toys' potential to their fullest. Toys should be immersive and stimulative, whilst today's toys sort of lack that quality.
IzbrišiKatarina Petrović, PO4
Autor je uklonio komentar.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI agree with you that there was more creativity in children's minds before than now. I like your opinion!
OdgovoriIzbrišiAmra Avdić
(RN, 3. godina)
Toys are of great significance for children and their development because that is the best way children are most acceptable to adapt and learn how to behave in a social environment. Children in early childhood through play explore and discover the world around them, so play is of great significance to the child. Children learn and understand events the most effectively through play. Social inclusive toys are toys intended for children with disabilities, actually to children from a vulnerable group on any basis. Toys can promote an understanding of diversity for adults. In this way, adults are made aware that „different“ children deserve attention, and that they are also important like children of typical development. Social inclusive toys as such are also interesting for children with typical development, and I consider that they represent a bond and a way of accepting a vulnerable child into joint play by children. Educators are the most important persons who promote diversity and accepting it. The educator is the only person, besides the parents, who spend most of their time with children in kindergarten. They are a model to children on how to behave – if the educator is a positive model of the educator then children will be well brought up. My favorite toy from childhood is a baby. It is the toy I have played with the most when I played alone. Then I did not even need company because I was focused only on that toy and my attention was directed on it because I loved it. That is famous baby „Baby born“ that can eat, pee, and poop. It was very unusual, and that is why it is the favorite toy of my childhood. In the last 50 years, children's play has changed a lot. Firstly, children played by inventing and creating toys, for example, they made babies from clothes. At the time when I was a child, we did not play with it because we could buy all those cute babies. Today, children have a huge choice of toys, but they spend less and less time playing with them. Today, children spend a lot of time on phones, and they can easily manipulate with it from their almost one year – they choose cartoon, songs, etc. - without a help of an adult. That confirms the fact that children have a lot of toys, but do not enjoy playing with them. They are not committed to pure children's play, and they are interested in more serious things concerning adults. I consider that noise toys intended for children are stimulative and positive for children's development. For example, if we buy a toy for a child that can pronounce simple words with only one touch, such as mama, papa.. – after a certain period, children will start saying those same words. Situations like this are mostly known as the „speech“ model. Such toys can easily stimulate children to be more communicative because they notice that babies can „talk“. In conclusion, toys are the best way for children to learn through fun and play. Therefore, we as educators should be aware of this significance, and apply and encourage as much as possible through our professional and private work.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMelina Dragunić, PO3.
I definitely agree with your comment, Melina. As educators, we absoultely should encourage children to play with educative toys, because it is significant for their development.
IzbrišiNives Pirija, (ER, 2)
Toys are a very important and indispensable part of a child's learning, growth, development and maturation process. The child plays with the toy, which contributes to the child's development.
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys have a good effect on the development of various children's abilities such as the development of motor skills and speech, the development of visual perception of concentration and attention, the development of logical thinking and reasoning, and the development of active listening.
Socially included toys can help children understand that we are all different and that we accept that diversity and that beauty is in diversity. They can teach us about diversity, inclusion and different cultures.
My favorite toy was my car and it would be on the sand all day and the rules of the road and car garages.
The children spent a lot more time outside, on playgrounds and parks. They would play popular children's games like border guards, hide-and-seek, hunters for hours. Today, children spend most of their time at home with technology. Unlike today's children who have all kinds of toys at their disposal, from board games, dice, dolls, cars, to robots, stuffed animals, puzzles, and once children did not have as many choices of ready-made toys and had better fun than now.
Klaudija Žuljević, RN3.
Toys are a very important part of a child's learning, growth, development and maturation process. For this reason, it is very important to include toys in a child’s life from the earliest period. In addition to using the toy to play with, the toy will also help the child develop, explore, satisfy curiosity, develop and master a skill. In addition, toys encourage brain development and creativity. They help in the development of physical and mental skills, which is necessary for the growth and development of the child. They encourage hand-eye coordination, mathematical and scientific skills, and the child's creativity. I find that nowadays toys have lost their value because children have a lot of players who in most cases stand in one place and a child who doesn’t use it because he only has a couple of his players that are interesting to him. Not every toy is interesting to every child. This is why parents need to have measurement when it comes to toys. In my opinion, it is much better for the child to have a player who will help him in his development, and some useless toys that the child will not use well. Parents make a mistake when they buy their child the toys they want, because some toys are only for play, but not for the child's development. Children can often find other things in the railway toy stores that are expensive, unless it is a problem for parents, that will trigger the child's development and interest. Often everyday objects become interesting toys for a child such as cups, pots, etc. The child is interested in the sound, smell, shape, color, texture and taste of the toy. Objects that can be squeezed, twisted, thrown, dropped, opened, closed, stacked, etc. arouse the child's curiosity and satisfaction. Another fact that I think toys have lost their value is due to the use of technology, mobile phones, tablets, etc. Nowadays, children are much more interesting to play games via mobile phones than they have direct contact with players. Of course, that also depends on the parents. Parents make mistakes because they start giving mobile phones to their children very early, which of course is not good for the child's development. Toys don’t have to be expensive for parents to start a child’s development and interest. Often everyday objects become interesting toys for a child (such as a cup, pots, etc.). The child is interested in the sound, smell, shape, color, texture and taste of the toy. Objects that can be squeezed, twisted, thrown, dropped, opened, closed, stacked, etc. arouse the child's curiosity and satisfaction. My favorite toy to play with as a child were dolls, babies, and sometimes cars, although this is not typical for girls, but I always knew how to have fun alone in the game. I didn’t need a lot of toys to have fun. There were also various puzzles that I really liked because they were with animal motifs.
OdgovoriIzbrišiBerina Kurt, POIII
Toys are a very important part of childhood. Toys help children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Toys stimulate creativity and the development of many skills which are necessary in later life such as problem-solving, working with others, sharing, taking turns, and much more. The choice of toys should be based on their age, interests, and stage of development. Children with disabilities will feel more valued and accepted if they see that toys that look like them are introduced into play. Socially inclusive toys introduce the idea that, although we are all different, everyone should be accepted and treated equally by others. Parents and kindergarten teachers looking for toys that children want – and reflect the diversity of humans – will find more choices than ever nowadays.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAntonela Vidović, RN3.
Toys stimulate creativity and the development of many skills which are necessary in later life such as problem-solving, working with others, sharing, taking turns, and much more.
OdgovoriIzbrišiChildren learn and understand events the most effectively through play. Social inclusive toys are toys intended for children with disabilities, actually to children from a vulnerable group on any basis. Toys can promote an understanding of diversity for adults. In this way, adults are made aware that „different“ children deserve attention, and that they are also important like children of typical development. Social inclusive toys as such are also interesting for children with typical development, and I consider that they represent a bond and a way of accepting a vulnerable child into joint play by children. Educators are the most important persons who promote diversity and accepting it.
The educator is the only person, besides the parents, who spend most of their time with children in kindergarten. We have to provide opportunities for children to play with toys that fully reflect the world around them and they will grow up with a broader world view that will open them up to new life perspectives and horizons.
Martina Galić, RN3
Did you save the toy you were playing with, Martina?
IzbrišiVALENTINA CREPULJA, RN3
Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door. Toys and play are very important in children lives and a very important part of a child's learning, growth, development and maturation process. Playing with toys can spark creativity and imagination, teach them about steam, refine a child’s motor develooment and toys can help a child emotionally mature. When a child grabs a toy and learns how to manipulate it they are practicing their motor skills and becoming more adept at hand/eye coordination. I find that kids today have a lot of toys they don’t know how to appreciate. In a large selection, they get bored quickly. Nothing is interesting enough for them.. My favorite toy when I was little was a bald doll that was bigger than me. she looked creepy with a scratched head and one eye (it’s my fault) but I loved her. Osmanović Ajla, ERV2
OdgovoriIzbrišiWhy do you think kids have too many toys today? Osmanović Ajla ERV2
OdgovoriIzbrišiDo you think that children have too many toys these days? What do you think about advertising for toys that is aimed at children?
OdgovoriIzbrišiI have heard so many times different parents saying this statement to their children: “When I was your age I couldn’t have such and as many toys as you have now!” We live in post war country; many parents when they were children were very poor and lived in such circumstances where it was really hard to buy cool and expensive toys. Nowadays, of course we live in different circumstances but, too many or moderate number of toys depends from parents and their children. Because we live side by side with Internet and YouTube (watching cartoons or playing games) is very accessible free and easy, children at a very young age can switch or change their interest. If they don’t like certain cartoon, it is too easy to change to another one instead of sticking to one for some time. I think that is often the case with toys. Many parents (grandparents or other family members or friends), buy toys according to a child’s age, or children are demanding some certain toys because their friends have them, or they are advertised somewhere on YouTube and than it has to be on the buying list. Toys are very important for child’s development, they can teach children many things, from how to be responsible (for a bit older children), how to take care of toys, clean, or sort them out. Children can learn how to share with others their toys; they also provide emotional comfort for a child. But sometimes I think it can put a huge pressure on parent’s budget because some toys are too expensive, and many parents might feel that their children should have such toy because otherwise their child might be bullied in some way, because they can’t afford to buy something. I think that toys should help children to improve their imagination, help them to develop certain skills, but not be a burden for families.
I definitely agree with you! i think kids in our country don’t have a chance to see or have these toys. Many parents do not want to buy these toys for their children, they are too expensive for their budget. Elna Gačanin, ER2
IzbrišiI agree that toys are important but we have to divide toys by age. For example, we can't give a 2-year-old child a toy with small and sharp parts. Today when we mention toys everyone thinks of some digital games and children are mostly raised by the Internet. Of course we have a lot of positive things in that but also many bad ones. Children should be induced to play more with "real" toys. I think that children show creativity and even feelings by playing with toys. They create their imaginary world and become what they want to be and do what they want through toys. If a child hates a person, by observing his play we can deduce why and whom. Playing develops skills and abilities. Board games as much fun as it brings the child closer to other children. When I was young I played with dolls with my sister all the time but sometimes I wanted to play alone. When a child plays with other children he should adapt his ideas and creativity with the ideas of other children. Some toys force the child to come up with a solution. The child needs different toys to develop different skills. The child is even in many cases connected with the toy mentally (like me, I still have a teddy and I have it with me all the time).
OdgovoriIzbrišiMerjema Redžebašić, PO II
I agree with you that you need to adapt toys to children's age. Unfortunately, digital games are more prevalent today, although younger children should spend more time with their peers because through play they also improve their communication.
IzbrišiNerma Bulatović PO II
The sentence "Some toys force the child to come up with a solution" I totaly agree with you, it is important to develop skills so child could progress.
IzbrišiToys are much important for child's development. They help children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally and playing with toys is the way of shaping their outer world. There are educative toys children play with ,especially in kindergartens where they can share ideas and have fun in activities with their peers. Socially inclusive toys promote the concept of social inclusion among children. When we talk about social inclusion, it is relevant to include as much as requisites as possible to highlight the beauty of acceptance of different children. I think there should be gatherings among parents and teachers to discuss about learning their kids how to treat children with disabilities. Socially inclusive toys are a perfect way to support children with disabilities and to make them feel comfortable in their environment. Personally, my favourite toy when I was a little girl was stuffed sheep named 'Lala' and it was a gift from my godmother for my second birthday because that toy reminded her of my curly hair. Many beautiful memories I connect with toys from my childhood and I believe that all children have a toy that is close to their heart. I think that today children have hundreds of toys they don't even play with and much of them are forgotten and put away in boxes full of dust. Our parents for example, had five or six toys to play with, and they were joyous about them. I think previous generations were much more grateful and satisfied with what they had then nowdays children. However, every child deserves safe and educative environment to grow in, tender parents, kind peers and toys to play with. It is up to us to raise our voices and provide children to have wonderful childhood and loving upringing.
OdgovoriIzbrišiLeave a comment if you agree with me and perhaps have some suggestions. I am open to dicussions with my colleagues.
Nives Pirija, (ER, 2)
I love how you always have a bright look on the future, Nives! I honestly think that the huge amounts of toys are used to replace parents love and attention which, let's be honest, can't be replaced by any number of shiny toys. Love and attention shine brighter than gold in a child's eyes.
IzbrišiMonja Ražnatović PO II
Thank you for leaving an inspiring comment,Monja.
IzbrišiWish you all the best!
Nives Pirija, ER 2
Nives, I sooo agree with you and aslo think that previous generations were much more grateful and satisfied with what they had then.
IzbrišiPO II
Dear Nives, I agree with you, definitely. Thank you for sharing this with us.
IzbrišiToys are very important for the kids. Toy makers have made strides in becoming more inclusive, especially Barbie, long-criticized for holding girls to an unrealistic ideal of the female body.
OdgovoriIzbrišiIn the last year, Barbie's parent-company Mattel has caught up with independent doll makers and introduced a more diverse collection of dolls.
Lejla Pleho, RNIII
What was your favorite toy Lejla, as a child?
IzbrišiVALENTINA CREPULJA, RN3
Play is an integral part of a child's upbringing, and a toy is a means. I think that socially inclusive toys are good for learning about children's differences and accepting others as they are. I think that children today get too many toys and that their attention to playing with one toy is very small. As a future educator, I think that toys of an educational nature should be used. Through play, children develop their cognitive skills. Socially inclusive toys are those that can teach children about diversity, inclusion and different cultures. A child with a disability will certainly feel more accepted if he sees the same toy, other children will understand that there are differences in consciousness and it will be easier to accept them.
OdgovoriIzbrišiEna Alomerović, PO4
Hi,
OdgovoriIzbrišiThe world of toys provides learning and fun, surprises and skills, emotional growth, experiences of all kinds, and much more. Active play is critical for kids' physical development. It helps children hone their coordination, balance, gross-motor skills (large movements like crawling and walking) and fine-motor skills (smaller movements like picking objects up). Toys enhance cognitive behavior and stimulate creativity. It is without question that the toys we give our kids, dramatically influences their thinking. Toys that look like other people help to develop that empathy, and it helps give them a healthy idea of their place in the world. Some of the benefits of inclusion for children with (or without) disabilities are friendship skills, peer models, problem solving skills, positive self-image, and respect for others.
Growing up is a long and complicated process. It includes a lot of changes, learnings, and developments. It is substantial to find a way to develop all necessary skills physically or cognitively. Toy for sure can help in it. I remember some toys from my childhood, and I still own some of them. I own handest and even remember it was red., a baby doll, a pink bear, etc, and enjoy at the recollection of all that memories. Toys are a way to express yourself and all that you are. Social inclusive toys have a good way to affect empathy and the feeling of affiliation. Even just color of some baby doll can affect the way of experiencing the world around. At elementary school, we can use toys with learning. I consider that in almost every form of work it is possible to include toys. For instance, kids can make some toys in groups from different materials.
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys are for sure better than mobile phones and in the past they were much used.
Ena Brkić, RN4
Toys that I used to play with as a child were the ones that were given to me by Caritas. In the war time you didn't have much choice in that. Anyways, I got this black doll.She was as black as night herself,and she was my favourite. I never found out what had happened to her, but not long after that I started getting these tall,blonde Barbie dolls.Needless to say that today I miss by black doll very much.My childhood best friend was a black girl but she always played with Barbies with me. She would often say how she would like to have blond hair. I was happy I was white then because I had something she wanted but now when I remember that she was the coolest girl ever and I wish she could have seen how pretty she really was. Music, toys, cartoons...all the things that influence kids have to be inclusive because children develop their whole worldview on those influences.We all know how being different means lots of making fun of and bullying,so if we can start with anything we should start with things that children surround themselves with the most. Ivana Parađina, PO2
OdgovoriIzbrišiWell, we have something in common again, a favorite black doll. Why doesn't that surprise me? I am sorry that your friend couldn't feel accepted and as special as she really was. I hope that things are going to change soon, because each child's future can be greatly influenced in the early stages of life. Hopefully she later realized that she was as precious as everyone else.
IzbrišiMonja Ražnatović PO II
Toys are extremely important for children's development. Children learn the most about the world through play. In that way they learn social skills, how to share, cognitive skills, motor skills and work towards emotional development. Because children learn the most through play it is a very good idea to introduce them to socially inclusive toys. That may be one of the best ways to help a child understand that there are different people around them, due to race, nationality, ability or disability, character, social status and many more. If a child has an inclusive toy in their home, it helps a certain difference, such as disability, slowly become very normal and common to the child, which can prevent discrimination and fear of the unknown in the future of the child. Socially inclusive toys can be a great tool for educators as well, because all educators should strive for inclusion when it comes to their life calling. Honestly I haven't seen many inclusive toys here and I think that that needs to change, and soon! Children have way too many toys that are useless, why don't we replace those toys with inclusive ones. If I were completely honest I was always bored while playing with "perfect" barbie dolls. My favorite toy was a small dwarf-like, black bratz doll. I found her way more interesting than those other toys which looked like models. I had somethin in common with her, and that was imperfection. I don't think that we have to rub the socially acceptable way a woman should look (perfect) into a small child's face. They need to know that ideal doesn't exist, and while we can strive for perfection, it is often impossible to reach it.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMonja Ražnatović PO II
Dear Monja, I really like your comment and I couldn't agree more. I love the way you're thinking.
IzbrišiPO II
Hello everyone!
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys are a way to express yourself and all that you are. Social inclusive toys have a good way to affect empathy and the feeling of affiliation. As a future educator, I think that toys of an educational nature should be used. Through play, children develop their cognitive skills. A child with a disability will certainly feel more accepted if he sees the same toy, other children will understand that there are differences in consciousness.
Playing is a very important for children and so toys are. Research shows that learning through play is an important part of a child’s development. Toys spark your child's imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills. They help them develope on every way (emotionally, phsycally, socially...). Toys are used to entertain children but socially inclusive toys have much bigger use. These toys can teach children a lot of very important things. Diversity and inclusion are just some of them. The best part is that children learn these things by playing.
OdgovoriIzbrišiToday there are plenty of socially inclusive toys. Some of them are Barbie dolls that use a wheelchair, LEGO block with audio and Braille building instructions, dolls with Autism etc. For Pride 2021, LEGO Group is releasing a new rainbow set that celebrates the world’s diversity. Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, it features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles. With these toys children can learn about world, about people with a different skin color, about people with disabilities. By playing with these kind of toys they will learn to respect and love everyone, no matter what is their race, religion, sexual orientation etc. My personal opinion is that this is one of the biggest lesson cildren need to learn.
Educators in kindergarten can provide these socially inclusive toys so children can play with them. My favourite toy when I was a child was a Barbie doll. Unfortunately at that time there was only a classic Barbie doll. Nowdays you can find a lot of different verions of that doll, for example Gender-neutral Barbie, Barbie doll that use a wheelchair, prosthetic limbs and African American Barbie.
I think that children's play has completely changed over the last 50 years. Kids nowdays don't use toys as much as we did when we were children. The main reasons for that are technology, computers, mobile phones, Internet. Mostly children play on phones and that is sad. This century offers much better and useful toys and they should be used more. Phones are not for children, toys are.
VALENTINA CREPULJA, RN3
Hi Valentina .
IzbrišiI definitely agree that today"s technology has changed children"s view of play.
The first piece od entertainement that children encounter is toys. But toys have a much bigger value than it seems. They help children develop thinking, social and emotional skills. In many examples children project themselves on their toys which is why it is so important to present them with a variety of choices.
OdgovoriIzbrišiVildana Kurtović, PO III
Hi Vildana, I agree with you that toys have a big value and importance. Although, I would add that parents and especially educators and teachers have to pay atention what kind of toys they introduce into children's lives.
IzbrišiAdila Tursanović, PO4
This is very good topic for discuss, especially for us, teachers. We are the ones who will raise generations of people who need to make the modern world a better place for children. We need to break down prejudices and stereotypes now, so that in the future there will be more understanding and respect for diversity among people. Socially inclusive toys are just such toys that indicate differences between people and their preferences. Everyone can find the toy for their child they want, without imposing the stereotype that dolls must have long hair, pink dresses and cute shoes. Also children with certain disabilities can find a toy for themselves that is made with the same kind of disability. Therefore these children will have more confidence and will feel better accepted in their environment.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI think the idea of socially inclusive toys is great and that more and more use of such toys will make our children more compassionate and with more empathy for others.
What was your favorite toy? :)
IzbrišiEducational toys can help develop problem solving skills, teach about conflict resolution and how cause and effect work. It also teaches children about sharing, helps develop their fine and gross motor skills and nurtures their creativity and imagination. Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door.
OdgovoriIzbrišiYou explained this topic very nicely, I think you understood the purpose of socially inclusive toys and I hope you will practice them in working with children.
IzbrišiDalila Kadunić, PO III
Educational toys are really, as you said, the most important items in a child's life that will not only serve them for play, but also teach them to accept themselves as they are and to be what they are.
IzbrišiToys play a huge role in kids lives and not just in an entertaining way, but also in other aspects as physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Toys also help kids to form their view of many different things in life. As we are in the 21st century, it is very important to accept all the differences between people, diversities in skin color, races, health conditions and other. We are playing a big part in the proces of accepting and including all and everyone. In that process we can and should use socially inclusive toys. Those are toys that reflect all the diversities of humans and they are supporting the idea that everyone should be accepted no matter of their differences. Toys can promote inclusion and diversity by coming in all shapes and forms, colora and looks. As a kid I loved to play with different toys but I know thats I almost never played with Barbie dolls but I loved the animation cartoons figures and anything that was colorful. I also had many kids around me and we all played outside till the sun was setting. And nowdays kids are all over the internet and playing outside with friends is becoming so strange and "dangerous" for them as they are becoming more and more fragile. Kids also don't appreciate what they have and for them one toy is intereating for a week and then they want new ones. I really hope it changes for their own good.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMubina Mešanović, POII
Mubina, I agree with your statement that kids don't appreciate what they have.
IzbrišiPO II
I totally agree with you. It's hard to find a toy that will keep their attention more than a few hours, or in best case - days.
IzbrišiGrowing up is a long and complicated process. It includes a lot of changes, learnings, and developments. It is substantial to find a way to develop all necessary skills physically or cognitively. Toy for sure can help in it. I remember some toys from my childhood, and I still own some of them. The main reasons for that are technology, computers, mobile phones, Internet. Mostly children play on phones and that is sad.
OdgovoriIzbrišiI think the idea of socially inclusive toys is great and that more and more use of such toys will make our children more compassionate and with more empathy for others.
Nadira Odžak, RN 4
Every child is very attached to toys and I think it`s for a reason. Toys become their first friends, learn how to play and even how to hug others with a help of teddy bear or other stuffed animal. It`s important for their development. My favourite childhood toys were stuffed aminals and I still like them. Playing with them or just touching I could imagine they were real without fear. I like animals but I am affraid of them, as they say the further the better. I think stuffed animals are good because of kids who are affraid just like I was. They have a chance to get used to animals sooner and to develop wonderful feelings about them. In my opinion, the most important thing for any child is to have a good and healthy cildhood, with a lots of games, friends and some toys. Children don`t really need toys to be happy. They need time and some company, their imagination will do the rest.
OdgovoriIzbrišiLejla Bisić, PO II
I agree with your comments on this topic. :)
IzbrišiMerjema Redžebašić, PO ll
I totally agree with your comment, especially that's the most important thing for child is to have a good and healthy childhood
IzbrišiAmar Kožar, Po2
Play is both the basis of a child's future well-being and the foundation of his intellectual, social and physical development. Exploring through play and discovering the world is all that early childhood consists of. Toys are an important part of childhood. The child uses a toy to play, which contributes to the child's development, research, curiosity, and development and mastery of skills, appropriate to the age at which the child is. Toys stimulate brain development and stimulate creativity. They help in the development of physical and mental skills, which is necessary for the growth and development of the child. Socially included toy toys are intended for children with disabilities. Toys can promote diversity in children as well as adults. Educators are essential people who accept diversity.Humanity is a characteristic of man. At least that's how it should be. Man, however, is prone to discrimination by his human nature. There are many prejudices about inclusive education. In order to eliminate the prejudices of students-peers, it is necessary for teachers and the pedagogical service of the school to work on developing empathy. The feeling of empathy will contribute the most to breaking down prejudices, this work should be realized especially by pedagogues through workshops and exercises in the classes of the class community.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMy favorite toy was a teddy bear. I always slept with him. Children's play has changed a lot. before, children spent more time outside with their peers. It was all influenced by today’s technology. Because children are now more interested in playing games on computers or mobile phones.
Nerma Bulatović PO II
Dear Nerma, I agree with your opinion that the only things today's children know and are interested in are the phones they are obsessed with and just such a way of thinking of parents who allow their children and only then small children who use it will not remember anything from childhood. The most unfortunate thing is that many parents do not think about the future of their children, so instead of toys that develop their child's motor skills, they give them phones that are of no use to them.
IzbrišiMerjema Redžebašić, PO ll
I really love how you put yourself into this topic, you did some reasurch and I think you`re going to be great educator and parent someday.
IzbrišiI agree that the game used to be more interesting and the kids hung out more with their peers than they do today. Too many children are now occupied with technology that has a very bad effect on their development.
IzbrišiChildrens toys and games existed for a long time and will probablly exist for a lot more. I remember myself playing with dolls, playing outside with my friends, games type of hide and seek, tag and many others. Through time toys as well as games changed. Today, kids prefer playing in a more passive maner since they are using tehnology a lot more than kids from 50 years back. Back in the day kids used to play outside a lot more that today. That means they were a lot more physically active. That affected their mental and physicsll growth. As I said before todays children have a more passive approach to games and toys. Meaning they use laptops, tablets, computers to play "games". It could be possible that this type of playing might stunt their physicall growth, but it might in a way improve their cognitive development.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAmila Šator, PO3
Play is an important part of a child's life and he must get the right toys. Also, the choice of toys is important. Toys should help them. They need to develop their skills and improve their mood. With the help of socially inclusive toys, children develop feelings. They show the real lives of people. Those toys in children develop a sense of empathy and acceptance of diversity.
OdgovoriIzbrišiTherefore, it is desirable that every child has them.
Berina Lemezan, RN III.
The choice of toy is definitely important for children primarily because the game affects the development of the characteristics and personality of the child.
IzbrišiHello everyone!
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys for a child are something very emotional and a very important thing in a child's life. The child becomes emotionally attached to her, gives her names, arranges her, takes her with him on trips, to kindergarten, to sleep, etc. A toy for a child is not just a phase, it is her life. Toys are a great thing for cognitive development. Whether a child has a difficulty or not, all children have a need to manipulate toys and participate in role play.
We are aware that even today we have toys that we are very happy to keep and to which we are emotionally attached.
Antonia Bonić PO4
Hi Antonia,
IzbrišiI agree with your words. I believe that adults can offer children quality toys that will help children in their future lives, but also that will provide them with fun.
Dalila Kadunić, PO III
I agree with you, toys for a child are definitely the most important thing. The thing that actually becomes their life at that age. And through that connection to the toy, children also learn how to apply the connection when they grow up. How and in what way to connect and communicate with people. Therefore, every child should have one type of toy like this that will prepare him or her for the future in the best light.
IzbrišiKids love toys. If you have any doubts about that, just take a child into a toy store. She will probably find a number of things that she feels she just can’t live without. Toys are more than just fun and games for kids. Most toys provide at least some opportunity for children to learn. The best toys engage a child’s senses, spark their imaginations and encourage them to interact with others.
OdgovoriIzbrišiWhen children reach preschool age, it’s time to start learning about letters, numbers and language skills. There are lots of toys that encourage this type of learning, from simple alphabet puzzles to high-tech electronic gadgets. These can give child a head start by introducing her to the things she will be learning in school. Kids who are in school can supplement their learning with fun and educational toys. Giving them the opportunity to have fun while practicing the things they are learning in school will increase their retention of those things. And when child finds an educational toy she really likes, she will be more likely to play with it, reinforcing the things she has learned. Children can learn a lot from playing. When you give child educational toys and play with them with her, it gives her a chance to bond with you, learn, and have fun at the same time. And making education enjoyable will help child retain the things she learns and develop a positive attitude toward learning.
Dajana Blažić, RN3
What an educators and teachers can do to change the acceptable forms of children behavior following the rules of conduct, previous experience and inclusive values and therefore emphasis the needs of lifelong learning throught social inclusive toys at all levels of education? Why do we choose inclusive toys in order to promote the concepts of diversity and inclusion among young children in the lower grades of elementary school? Can we genuinely estimate the abilities and limitations of children with impairments or disorders, children with autistic spectrum disorder, children with difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, and understanding competences, behaviours, their sense and talents playing with inclusive toys? Can we say: " We're doing our best in promoting social concepts of interaction and communication, presenting diversity in primary and preschool education”. Personally, I'm not sure.
OdgovoriIzbrišiIn educational practice with children with impairmaints and disabilities, we’re capable to observe and provide concepts of better, integrated, moderated level of knowledge, improve competence of kindergarten teacher, or we associate unpredictable behaviour and consequently impact on their biological factors, mental and intellectual abilities. Lack of equipments, toys and didactic materials as well as training of kindergarten teachers increases the risk of exclusion, segregation and some of earlier research have shown that some children with developmental difficulties find it difficult to adopt to regular preschool programs, and have often been excluded from any form of early intervention and education. As a teacher, as a human being, we can be the best support, acquisition of new and basic skills throught socially inclusive toys, we can teach about diversity, distinguished forms of interest and playing activities, to provide acceptable methods and modes, using appropriate, sufficient and unique individual programs, new technologies, new equipment, socially inclusive toys, or systems used as a auxiliary, adaptive and rehabilitative aids for children with disabilities in inclusive education and teaching. We have moral obligation to do everything which directly influences education that increases and emphasize knowledge, social inclusion throught games and toys, educational alternative and augmentative techologies, humanism and tolerance, responsibility, and fundamental human rights.
Sanela Brulić, ER 2.
Kids are like little sponges that soak up everything in the world around them.Children begin learning at birth. They learn from touch, song, watching, interaction with parents and siblings, and soon develop self-understanding. I think that is very important what we are talking and doing in front of kids. We are their role models. Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door. Seeing and playing with toys that look like other people, for example inclusive toy, that can help children to improve and learn other emotional skills such as compassion and empathy. Adela Jugović RN IV
OdgovoriIzbrišiDear Adela, I share your opinion. Indeed, children are like little sponges that absorb the world around them, and that is why we need to be a good role model that will enable them to play adequately, which is adapted to their chronological age, interests, possibilities and needs.
IzbrišiToys are big part of children's lives and they help developing their outlook on the world. Playing with different toys provides children with comfort and an escape from reality. They help them entertain themselves while also shaping their interests. Nowadays, we can buy socially inclusive toys. They represent variety of skin colors, shapes and disabilities and teach young children that we are all equal. It brings comfort to children when they can resemble themselves in toys they are playing with. Amar Kožar Po2
OdgovoriIzbrišiAs they said toys are a very important part of childhood. They can help children to improve their social skills, to have more empathy, and also to develop physically, cognitively or emotionally. In that case children need an adequate example about differences in the world around him. Today we have socially inclusive toys to educate every child about other children or adullt people with disabilities or about different skin color. Even the Barbie company spread awareness of it. When I was a little child, I had classic Barbie toys, but fortunately I learned enough about every difficulties and differences on time. Also I think that playing with these socially inclusive toys are more funnier. Elna Gačanin, ER2
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys are indispensable part of learning process and development of children. Playing with toys makes children happy and they're also fulfilling educational role. Toys stimulates creativity, motoric and many other skills, but also it develop empathy. It's very important for children to understand that every person is equal. I think Barbie made a mistake years ago, when they created all the same dolls with big eyes, long (mostly blue) hair, big lips and handsome body. When girls are playing with those dolls, that doll becomes their role model, and they all want to be pretty, blonde and good-looking when they grow up. I think socially inclusive toys are a big step forward for all of us. I also think children have too many toys nowadays, and because of it nothing is interesting to them. They'll play with a toy for few minutes and that's it. My favourite toy was a Barbie doll. I remember playing role model game with my friends. One of us was a mother, and the other was a daughter. I'm sad because, nowadays, kids aren't playing like we did. They only play computer games, and it's hard to find a game or toy to keep them away from the computer. When we are talking about advertising, I think it's a good idea, because everything children see at the TV, they want to buy and play with it. That would increase sale and prevalence of socially inclusive toys among children.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAjla Hasić, RN4
Diversity, which is often used with inclusion, in this context refers to having access to toys that represent individuals with a range of races/ethnicities, ability statuses, and genders. There are other aspects of diversity that are more challenging to represent without backstories. For those, books are a wonderful way to introduce aspects of diversity like financial class, language, neurodiversity, and mental health. Nowdays more than ever, it’s particularly evident that chidren need to be exposed to diversity as early as possible. It is very important that children notice and accept all differences. It is very important that children notice and accept all differences. In this way, awareness is developed in children and embarrassing situations of ridicule and abuse are reduced, which can seriously harm the child's mental health. In this way, we can help children to learn more about equality, empathy and compassion develop.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAmra Bajrić, RN IV
Its common knowledge that children learn through play which has the backing of umpteen child psychologists and experts in childhood development. What needs more awareness however is how important it is that toy manufacturers include a range that promotes inclusive play! Toys children can feel a connection with because they closely resemble themselves, their situation or even family dynamic. Whether that be disability, different races/ethnicities, addressing age-old gender stereotypes by stepping into 2020 where we’re encouraging individuals to dress and be exactly what they want or feel they identify with. Many brands are stepping forward to unite in the diverse world, though many still have a long way to go. It’s not just the toymakers who need educating but parents need to be aware of how impactful it is to provide their child with toys that are diverse in multiple areas. Studies show that parents who normalise diversity through open discussion and play from a young age, grow up to be far more accepting of those who are different to themselves and feel more at ease with their own identity.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAida Tajić, RN2
Socially inclusive toys are there to help everyone understand the differences and teach children something useful. I find that many parents are unaware that some toys have more of a bad impact on children and their development than they help them.
OdgovoriIzbrišiSocially inclusive toys help children learn to respect all people regardless of differences and for children to understand that all the differences between us make us special.
Dalila Kadunić, PO III
Dear Delila, do you think that toys with auditory elements have a more positive or negative impact on the overall development of the child?
IzbrišiToys are simply objects that children use to entertain themselves while simultaneously exploring the world around them, educating themselves, role-playing, and learning to express their emotions. Research shows that learning through play is an important part of a child’s development. Though ensuring your child has enough play time is a great benefit to families to allow their children to release some extra energy, a child begins to find out who they are through play, even during infancy. Kids have brains like sponges. They are always inputting information from their surroundings. Toys give kids another avenue to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Whether a toy is simple or complex, it has a lesson to teach kids.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMahira Crneta, ER II
I liked the sentence: Kids have brains like sponges. And I totally agree with it. Children at this age really "absorb" all the information and everything that happens and talks around them, so it is definitely important to have an appropriate approach to the child that will help him to make the best use of all the information he receives. And that's what the toys, that will make it possible, are for.
IzbrišiToys are the main means of entertainment for children. Today, there are so many toys that parents can choose for their child. Kids never need much to have fun wherever they are. Therefore, teachers and parents should encourage children to design their own toys - for example, they can make their own toys from various materials. In this way, the child's creativity and their satisfaction can be encouraged because they will make their own toy with their own hands. In addition to making children happy, toys are also useful for their motor, psychological, social and intellectual development. Since more and more materials from which children's toys are made are carcinogenic in market, I think that toys made of natural materials should be preferred. In this way we also support handmade production and protect the environment. Children today have a lot of toys compared to before, but even that is not so good because the child does not play with all the toys but only with a few of them. Parents should never be burdened with buying their children as many toys as possible, because it is much more important for parents to play with their children, as well as to allow the child to socialize with children of his age.
OdgovoriIzbrišiAna Gluvić, RN III
Toys are an important part of our childhood. Through playing, a child learns about himself and the world around him, develops motor skills, develops his imagination and learns new skills. With the aid of toys, the child learns how to gain experience and how to make sense of the world around him. By trying various toys, the child develops creativity and imagination. Exploring various colors, shapes and sounds, the children sharpen their senses, stimulating their curiosity and originality. The toys will stimulate the children to learn new things. There are educational toys out there for babies who are just a couple of weeks old, let alone for older children. Socially inclusive toys are toys that teach children about inclusivity, tolerance and empathy. A preschool teacher can use toys to explain the meaning of inclusion and its application in the real world. Society, in general, should use various projects as means of supporting both parents and children to utilize more of the socially inclusive toys.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMy favorite toy was a football. Daily, I've played both alone and with my friends various games - all of which used a football in some way, shape or form. In the past 50 years, children only really had improvised toys and only a really small amount of them. Nowadays, there's a huge amount of toys, all with various functionality and capability. My opinion is that children nowadays have too many toys which leads to oversaturation and that their attention, therefore, isn't constant. The toy industry is a very developed business which rakes in enormous amounts of money.
Katarina Petrović, PO4
Play is the best and most effective way for children to be brought up and educated. Through play, children get to know themselves but also the world around them. The toys that are used to realize the game are a very important factor, because they give meaning to the game itself. Thanks to children's toys, they develop their senses, which enable them cognitive, psychological, social and emotional development. Toys that children use to realize the game, should primarily be adapted to their chronological age and then to their interests, abilities and desires. During the game and when using adequate toys, we can teach children new cultures, different ways of living, but also inclusion. Accordingly, we encourage children to cultivate differences and differences. Socially emotional toys are toys that are already becoming commonplace among children, which is also a great improvement and improvement in play. With the help of this type of toys, children recognize the differences and differences that are in the world and thus learn to respect and nurture them. By using this type of toy, children learn various situations with which they will have contact in the future. Also, children who have developmental difficulties increase their self-confidence, safety and self-esteem because they have direct insight that they are accepted by others and that they are the same as others. I spent my childhood playing with honey which represented to me every possible object to play with. I am sentimentally attached to him because I got him from an important person in my life and especially since that person went to a better world. If we talk about the change in the way we play in the last 50 years, we can say that it is evident and that a lot has changed. The children used to be satisfied with a smaller number of toys and used all possible household items to realize their game in the best and most realistic way possible. However, today the whole household is produced for children, which has its positive and negative sides. The positive side is that children learn the basics of living and are provided with a "mini world", but the disadvantage is the development of imagination, because in this way children will never take a "remote control as a microphone", because it is produced today. I think that the amount of toys that the child owns is not important, it is more important that they are adapted to the age and needs, interests and abilities of the child. Also, many toys can be made of unshaped material which develops children's creativity and imagination. As I have already mentioned, the development in making toys is enormous, so today there are also toys that make sound. If we talk about auditory toys, they have positive and negative sides. The positive side is because they encourage children to develop speech and children use them to learn colors, words, numbers, body parts, etc., but the negative side is that most of these toys do not have a real voice, but are modified and "beating" is used a lot which sets a bad example for children to articulate many voices.
OdgovoriIzbrišiElma Numanagić, PO III
Toys are a very important part of a child's life. These should not be toys that will reduce the child's imagination, but those that will stimulate it and influence children's thinking and views of the world and others around them. Toys help children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
OdgovoriIzbrišiThey help them accept the world around them and learn how to deal with the life situations ahead of them. Toys like this are the perfect preparation for the future. A preparation that allows children to accept differences and shortcomings in people. When they learn from childhood that it is okay to be different, then throughout their lives, they will know how to apply, love and respect all those who are different. Therefore, large manufacturing industries have begun to produce toys that will not only serve for play, but will also serve to teach children to accept differences and be what they are. Toys should be everything that will prepare the child for further life, for coping in life and for the way they will accept what is happening around them. They definitely have the greatest impact on the development of the child's mental and emotional structure.
Children are our future and therefore their upbringing should be our priority because they are the ones who will live after us and if they are adequately brought up and taught to accept all the people around them, this world will be a beautiful place.
Medina Drmala, PO II
I agree with you, toys are very important. they help in childrens development and help them to became a inteligent, brave and to have imaginations.
IzbrišiWhat I have noticed through practice is that the best toys are those that have more than one purpose. They provide children with many options for play, thus helping them to develop their imagination, using unused synapses and making new ones. When choosing toys for children I usually choose those that are not restricted in use as well as those that contain everyday life. Among them are these - socially inclusive toys. I think they are important because they broaden children's horizons, but we can't think that they are the only ones that help children to notice some differences. They need to be discussed. Toys help us explain to children that each person is a story for themselves and that we need to have understanding for others as well.Children love symbolic play and it is in this and similar types of play that toys like this can have a good purpose.A lot has changed when it comes to toys in the last 50 years. In some things I would say for the better, but in some, unfortunately for the worse. We buy children tons of toys that they don't even look at or that don't have an educational purpose. Every toy should be for play, but we as educators should be aware that children learn the most through play. I think that the recipe for success is to know the children, the purpose of the toy and the planned and educated choice of toys.
OdgovoriIzbrišiHi Esma, you have made great point of view here, as someone who has insight about children's needs and asspirations about toys. As I understood, it is much more important which toys we give to children and for what purpose, rather than too exadurate with quantity .
IzbrišiAdila Tursanović, PO4
Toys have a big and important influence in our life. As kids, we all had toys, some that we liked more, and some that we did not like at all. Kids can find a friend in a toy, they can find something they are missing in their lives in a toy. Support, love and a friend. For us now, it is just a toy, not something alive. But for them, it is not just a toy, sometimes they seem like they think it is something alive. Sometimes, they see it as a part of their family, as a person. Some kids that don't know how to express their emotions and talk about them to parents or other people, they talk to their toys about it. It is not bad at all, it helps them express themselves in their own ways. Socially inclusive toys can help kids feel accepted. We all know that a barbie doll only used to look one type of way. Blond, tall and slim. But now we have all kind of barbie dolls. With brown hair, short ones, tall ones, the ones in a wheelchair..well all kinds. It is really good because kids that see a barbie that looks like them, will feel way more accepted. They will have more confidence, and will love themselves more. And not that they will only accept themselves, they will wccept and love others. They will see that everyone is different and beautiful in their own way. Everyone is special, just like every toy of theirs is special.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMia Vizdal, RN2.
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OdgovoriIzbrišiToys are veary important part of childs development. The toys can help children learn many different skills they will need in their life. They help them develope physically, mentally and cognitively. Socially included toys can help children understand that we are all different. Toys like this are the perfect preparation for the future. A preparation that allows children to accept differences and shortcomings in people. Playing develops skills and abilities. Board games as much fun as it brings the child closer to other children.
OdgovoriIzbrišiEmina Gobeljic, PO2
The toy is a child’s first best friend. You need to choose correctly who it will be. Today there is a large selection of toys, I think it is good because we have the opportunity to choose what to give the child, but the time when there was no greater choice in my opinion is better. Less choice and more enjoyment in that game.
OdgovoriIzbrišiOnly the use of certain toys that are marketed in the world today should be chosen and dosed in the right way.
Dajana Nikolić,PO4
I agree with my colleague. We need to be wise to know which toy to give to a child so that it is appropriate for his age and so that the child knows how to handle it, today there is a wide selection of toys that children can get but we must draw their attention to their function and how children can they shake hands with them. Amra Srna PO4
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OdgovoriIzbrišiToys well as play are very important for children. With their help, the child learns, develops self-confidence, acquires certain skills, solves problems and sees how they work. For each age of the child, there are certain toys that monitor the child's growth and development so that the child can progress. I think the toys have changed a lot over time. Earlier, they were simpler and were made of various materials. Today, a lot is available to children, technology has advanced, so it has an impact on toys as well. They are more modern, more diverse ... Children need support in education. From the beginning, we need to introduce children to the world of inclusion so that they can accept and understand it and then support their friends. Unlike general education, inclusive education includes educators, parents, children and their peers. This confirms that all children can learn and that no distinction is made between them. Amra Srna PO4
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OdgovoriIzbrišiToys have huge importance for children. They help children in their development, physically and also emotionally, socially etc..
OdgovoriIzbrišiThe main advantage of toys is stimulation when children playing with them. It helps to express their feelings, to have better imagination, to boost creativity, to find comfort, and of course, to learn troughout play.
When speaking about socially inclusive toys, it is important to highlight few things. Those kind of toys are related to symbolism, for children to get more serious aspects playing with toys. The main points of those toys are about diveristy, inclusion, and learning about new cultures. They are about feeling valaued as human beings and exploring the world outside our usual sourounding.
Teacher or educator in kindergarden or lower school grades should firstly learn about children and their social, culutural, religious background, so they can implement toys that are best suited for them. In that way, children can relate to those toys and accept them better, and to achieve full potential from toys and from children themselves.
When speaking about society and how to improve inclusion, the main thing is to recognize specific needs for children and how to make differences as 'no big deal'. Because every deserve their happiness when it comes to toys and everything toys represent. It is about providing the sense of belonging for children and that they do not feel neglected.
My favorite childhood toy was a teddy bear. I felt comfort knowing that he is allways there. I could tell him everything and he was part of all my games and playing as a child. He also have me some sense of security when going to bed and sleeping.
I think children's play changed a lot in past 50 years. Compared to that past period when children were playing a lot more with each other, relying to their own imagination and creativity, using things around them as toys, today we have enormous choice of toys. Also, aspect of toys changed a lot, meaning that parents did learn a lot of about how the toys can be important for their children development, not "only" as entertainment.
Related to previous statement, I do think that some parents do exadurate with toys for their children. While it is important that children have toys, not taking time to evaluate the very toys, parents often buy by impulse, not giving to much atention.
As advertising is in question, I think it is OK in certain extent and that children are protected in that process.
Adila Tursanović, PO4
Toys are a very important part of childhood. They can help them develope physically, mentally and cognitively. Socially included toys can help children understand that we are all different. Toys like this are the perfect preparation for the future. Educational toys can help develop problem solving skills, teach about conflict resolution and how cause and effect work.
OdgovoriIzbrišiNejla Osmanović, RN III
Hi, everyone.
OdgovoriIzbrišiToys are described as toys for children, usually toys for entertainment and education. It is widely believed that toys affect the emotional, social, mental and physical development of children. They play a big role in the early years of a person's life: to occupy and teach. Therefore, it is important which toys children play with and what quality they are. For centuries, children have been as interested in toys as they are today. Almina Talović, RN 3.
Autor je uklonio komentar.
OdgovoriIzbrišiWe all know that children learn the most through play, so we need to be careful when choosing what toys to give to them. Toys are very important for developing fine and gross motor skills, as well as teaching children how to act in a social setting. Socially inclusive toys are toys that encourage diversity and inclusion. By giving socially inclusive toys to children we give them an opportunity to learn that all of us are different and that that is perfectly okay. For example if we introduce a barbie that uses a wheelchair to a child, that gives us opportunity to teach a child how to act towards someone in a wheelchair. But on the other hand children who are also using a wheelchair can fell more accepted because they can relate to a barbie doll like all other children. Children these days already have too many toys, so why not give them socially inclusive toys instead? We as educators have a very important role when it comes to teaching children about inclusion, and that gives as an opportunity to change the world little by little.
OdgovoriIzbrišiMonja Ražnatović, PO III