Preschool developmental and art potential of hand made toys

Abstract

Although toy making is an activity with multiple benefits for various aspects of child development, it is nowadays rarely practiced with young children. The objective of the paper is to shed light on the important role making of toys by hand may have on the overall development of preschool children. Analysis is made of qualities of a good toy, developmental and artistic potential of toys, and the benefits a child may have from the process. A separate segment of the paper analyzes the characteristics of handmade toys used in the Waldorf education system, the procedures by which they are made, and the qualities of the games they encourage. Waldorf education is an alternative educational system based on holistic approach to the child, family, day care facility or school, and the overall environment. It stands out by the high degree of importance it gives to play and carefully selected toys offered for play. Based on the analysis a conclusion can be made that even though toy making may seem to be an outdated, senseless and superfluous activity in the today's consumer society, it does in fact have comprehensive benefits, and that therefore an increase of such activities at preschool level would have positive effects on the overall child development.