I assume you found this from a search for Developmental Toys. I decided to write on this topic because I think the term "Developmental Toys" is overly used and too widely misunderstood, especially by the toy industry. I use it because it is a popular phrase that stimulates a response; sometimes without understanding a products developmental value. I am fortunate enough to work with people who do.
From my prospective, ALL toys have developmental value. If you read the "About Me" section, you will notice I coached a little league soccer team. Since I enjoy soccer, I will talk about a soccer ball because it is an excellent example of a developmental toy. Its developmental value is in the area of gross motor skills.
Above I introduced three concepts:
1) All toys have developmental value,
2) Soccer balls are developmental toys,
3) Playing soccer focuses on gross motor skills.
To keep this brief and not to loose focus of this discussion, I won't explain what muscle groups are developed when playing soccer. Any good coach or soccer mom understands this concept. Any toy retailer that sells soccer balls recognizes or was told by the manufacturer that soccer balls develop gross motor skills. Can they answer the questions: "what are gross motor skills" and "how does the product develop gross motor skills"? When toy retailers use the term "Developmental Toy" do they really know a products developmental value? Are they willing to find out for you?
Next time you see an online toy retailer tell you they sell developmental toys, call them on the phone and ask them what developmental value the product has. If they can't explain it to you, call us at Funtastic Learning Toys. If we carry that product, we will send you information or links to videos so you can understand its developmental value. If we do not carry that product, we will help you locate a product we carry that meets the need of the child in your care.
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