Toy rotation
Toy rotation, also known as toy rotation, is a strategy in which a child's available toys are regularly rotated or swapped. Instead of having all the toys available at once, some of them are saved and replaced with other items. After a certain period of time, the stored toys are reintroduced while other items are put away. This process can be repeated on a regular basis.
Advantages
The advantages of toy rotation / toy rotation include:
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Reduces overstimulation: By limiting the amount of toys, children are not overwhelmed by an abundance of choices and stimuli. They can concentrate better and pay attention to the toys that are available at the time.
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Stimulates creativity: When children have a limited selection of toys, they are encouraged to use their imagination and play creatively. They can discover new ways to interact with the toy and create different play scenarios.
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Extends interest: Toy rotation / toy rotation helps to maintain children's interest in the toy. Putting away and then reintroducing toys makes it seem like they have new toys all the time. This can prevent them from getting bored easily and hold their attention.
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Organization and space saving: Rotating toys can help keep the play area organized. Reducing the amount of toys that are constantly available can also help save space.
Apply toy rotation
To apply toy rotation you can follow the following steps:
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Sort out your toys. Keep only the toys that are worth having. Incomplete / broken toys can of course go.
- Choose the toy you want to rotate. It is important to choose toys from different categories to suit your child's developmental stage. Examples of categories:
Construction toys
This includes blocks, building sets, puzzles and other toys that help children build structures and creations. Think of LEGO, Duplo, magnetic tiles, wooden blocks, etc.
Role play and dress up
This includes costumes, dolls, stuffed animals, play kitchens, shopping sets, and other items that allow children to use their imaginations to role-play.
Creative toys
This includes craft supplies such as crayons, paint, clay, stickers, finger paints, coloring books, beads, and other items that allow children to draw, paint, craft, and be creative.
Educational toys
This includes puzzles, board games, math and language games, science experiments, learning-themed building sets, and other toys that provide educational benefits.
Sensory toys
This includes toys that stimulate children's senses, such as sensory balls, sand and water tables, magnetic playsets, musical instruments and tactile toys.
Technological toys
These include robotics kits, programmable toy sets, interactive games and other toy products that introduce children to technology and coding.
(provided it is appropriate for your child's age.)
- Present the chosen toy in an open cabinet. An open cupboard ensures that the toys are clearly visible. Children can easily see what toys are available and are encouraged to play with them. This can pique their curiosity and inspire them to experiment with the different toys. They can choose the toys independently and grab what they want. This promotes a sense of autonomy and encourages independent play.
The other toys may be stored.
- Change some items from the closet every 2-3 weeks. Toys that are played with a lot can safely remain for another round.
Involve your child in the toy rotation; Sorting out, cleaning up and choosing the toys. Explain that these are the toys he can play with for the coming weeks and that they will be switched again in a few weeks.
Finally, it is important to keep the child's needs and interests in mind when setting up a toy rotation system. The goal is to strike a balance between providing enough variety and limiting overstimulation. By regularly rotating and observing which toys are most appreciated, you can apply toy rotation most effectively. This way you get more fun out of your toys!
