ABSTRACT
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 478 The Universe of Play ........................................................................................................ 479 Toys by Age and Development ....................................................................................... 482
First 3 Months .............................................................................................................. 482 3 to 6 Months ............................................................................................................... 484 6 to 12 Months ............................................................................................................. 484 12 to 24 Months (1-Year-Olds) .................................................................................... 486 24 to 36 Months (2-Year-Olds) .................................................................................... 487 3 to 5 Years .................................................................................................................. 488 6-to 8-Year-Olds ......................................................................................................... 489 9-to 12-Year-Olds ....................................................................................................... 491
Educational Toys ............................................................................................................. 492 Toy Safety ........................................................................................................................ 492
Injury and Fatality ......................................................................................................... 492 Regulations .................................................................................................................. 493
Expect and Predict Interactions ............................................................................... 495 Child Human Factors ............................................................................................... 495 Learn from History .................................................................................................... 495
Labeling and Warnings ................................................................................................ 495 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 496 References ...................................................................................................................... 497
INTRODUCTION
Children cannot distinguish between play, learning, and work. Yet most theorists see play as distinct and separate from other activities in that it (Garvey, 1990a; Rogers and Sawyers, 1988a):
is pleasurable is internally motivated focuses on process requires active engagement is not real-but carried out as if it were is voluntary, spontaneous, and without externally imposed rules
Play also supports nonplay activities by promoting creativity, problem solving, and the development of language and social roles. Pleasant and familiar toys attract children and stimulate their senses. Children play with toys when they are intrigued and remain occupied as long as they are having fun.
