|
|
|
|
  |
Health Unit DVD shows parents how to make homemade toys
The Middlesex-London Health Unit thinks it's time for play, homemade play. The health unit introduced its newly created DVD; Play Begins a Home, Wednesday (June 18). This new resource shows parents and caregivers simple ways to make toys for children up to the age of four, that are safe and just as snazzy as many commercially available toys. "Play is critical to a child's healthy development, yet the high cost of some toys can be a barrier for families," said Roxanne Bale, Family Home Visitor with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "This DVD guides parents and caregivers through the process of creating stimulating and educational toys using things they have available around the home," she said. The Play Begins at Home DVD was produced by London-based Keyframe Communications in cooperation with Family Home Visitors from the health unit and funded by the City of London. The producers sought the assistance of local children and families to participate in the creation of the DVD and to demonstrate the homemade toys. Having fun and playing games with young children is essential to encouraging their physical and emotional development and well being. Play with toys encourages interaction, which in turn benefits a child's social development causing them to want to play with others, health officials said. The DVD is divided into three sections, each geared to a specific age group. Further, the resource demonstrates three homemade toys for each age group, all of which can be easily made from common household materials. The DVD highlights the importance of age appropriateness when giving a child a toy; for instance, a newborn baby's sense of hearing is more developed than their sight, so choosing a toy that involves sound or has vibrant colours would be more suitable. As they get older children become more capable of independent play, making it more important to ensure toys are appealing and require imagination. The result is that children become more interested and play for longer periods of time. The Play Begins at Home DVD can be purchased for $10 by completing the order form available on the MLHU website (see link), or by contacting the Health Connection at 519-850-2280. WEB: MLHU |
Submit Comment:
More Headlines
|
|
|