2019_JulAugNEW

AGESANDSTAGES
A TWINS Magazine
PRE-SCHOOL
Smart
PLAY
a Family Feature
W
hen twins play, they also learn. Not only can
playtime improve behavior and concentration,
but it helps kids explore with their imaginations.
Both free play and adult-guided play allow
kids to learn right from wrong, how to share and gain
awareness of others’ feelings.
Aside from neurological benefits, the power of play
can also improve both long-term and short-term
health. There’s evidence that active children grow into
According to Marianne Szymanski, toy
1 expert and founder of Toys Tips, Inc., an
international child development research
group she founded in 1991, has this to
share about toys and twin play from her
professional and personal observations.
2Don’t buy two of each toy every time;
however, buying tow of a favorite doll,
animal or licensed character makes sense.
3Check that skill levels and interest
required, as well as age, is appropriate
for each child since even twins can develop
at different levels.
4Keep in mind how each child will feel if he
or she does not receive the same toy as
his or her twin.
Style
active adults, thus decreasing their risk of heart disease
and other scourges of sedentary lifestyles. Apart from
these physical and emotional benefits, what some parents
may not realize is that when playing, kids apply
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
principles, whether it’s playing with blocks, building a
fort or kicking a soccer ball with their friends, kids at
play are “playing” with STEM.
While parents may feel they need to “introduce” their
children to science, they’ve likely already started to
5Think about safety of toys when used by
children at the same developmental stage.
6Look for toys that allow individuality of
play—decreases conflict.
7Watch how twins do play together more
often than other children (dependent
upon age).
8Discover how toys for multiple users foster
social interaction and develop sharing and
taking turns.
You can check out more tips by visiting
www.toytips.com for reviews and more advice
from Marianne Szymanski.
understand it through everyday life and may even have
a strong affinity for it. In fact, a report released by The
Center for Childhood Creativity found kids are capable
of developing complex STEM skills before they are even
verbal. Knowing these skills are constantly developing,
play time can be a fun way for parents to point out the
science that makes things work.
Stacking up math and science skills. Plastic building
blocks are a classic for a reason; they give kids the opportunity
to build a dream home, a castle, a car – the list
goes on. By asking your child to build a house, person or
monster, you are simultaneously introducing him or her
to concepts such as balance, pivots and other mathematical
and scientific theories. Another fun lesson you can
bring to the set is using building blocks to practice addition,
subtraction and multiplication skills. For example, a
4-by-2 brick has eight studs on the top, while an 8-by-6
brick has 48 studs. Help your kids make the connection
by using the blocks to teach them how to build a better
sense of numbers.
Spring into action. Another classic toy that you may not
have realized involves science is a metal spring toy. Generations
of children have watched the bendable springs
“walk” down the stairs in amazement. Challenge your
child to explore and see at which angle the spring toy can
“walk” the fastest. Make it even more fun by creating an
obstacle course with books and other objects that may affect
the trajectory to incorporate principles of physics and
engineering. If your child is older, you can even use the
toy to teach the basics of forces and waves by stretching it
out then releasing it.
Having your children play with science doesn’t have to
involve test tubes and calculators; instead, you can harness
the natural learning habits of your child. If you are
looking for other ways to make learning fun, a program
like ExploraVision can help. This K-12 STEM contest allows
kids of all ages to create ideas for new technological
innovations in response to real-world issues. Participants
work on their projects to supplement their science education
while also developing problem-solving, analytical
and collaboration skills. A
To learn more about the competition and how to enter,
and for teachers to find free tips for engaging students, visit
exploravision.org.
TWINS Magazine A www.twinsmagazine.com
July/August 2019 15