Play materials may be classified according to (1) their characteristics and use (subdivisions of instructional materials, real objects, constructive or creative play objects, and toys), and (2) empirically derived approaches (those developed by L. McCune-Nicholich and T. Yawkey). Educational implications are addressed. (CL)

The portfolio contains five guides to aid in choosing toys and other resources on toys and toy lending for health care settings. The first guide is about why toys help, reasons, a model, and some ways toys can be used. The second guide covers criteria for choosing toys. The third, not included, is a chart of selected toys as they can be used to…

The article examines the importance of early childhood experiences with books as toys and the relationship of book play to reading. Selected bibliographies for infants and toddlers as well as guidelines for introducing books to infants and enhancing infant and toddler development are presented. (Author/CL)

Handicapped children's responses to toys vary as a function of sensory and response limitations, cognitive delays, and the quality of experiences provided. Each developmental difficulty generates special developmental needs that must be recognized and considered. The article focuses on criteria for selecting, adapting, and using toys for each…

The two papers focus on methods of selecting toys for handicapped children and options in playground equipment for this population. The qualities of a good toy, such as stimulation and safety, are examined. The author discusses various considerations in selecting toys for different handicaps; for example, toys for visually impaired children should…

Provides compilation of guidelines for purchasing educational toys. Considers the value of educational toys, including their appeal and stimulation, age appropriateness, and open-endedness; the toys' construction quality, including methods of construction and manufacturer reputation; safety factors, especially potential for choking and poisoning;…

Suggestions are given regarding selection of gifts and toys for severely handicapped persons. General principles (such as safety and durability) are followed by specific suggestions about clothes, food, toys (including musical instruments and balls), books and records, and various types of equipment (such as blenders for food preparation, tape…

Safely driving a play vehicle requires many skills. This article offers several suggestions to parents on teaching preschoolers how to operate play vehicles safely and on pedestrian safety in general. A list of teaching aids for play vehicle safety, appropriate for parents and teachers, is included. (IAH)

Strategies are presented for providing positive values education through the process of receiving toys as holiday gifts, without detracting from the enjoyment of receiving and using the toys. Children can learn responsibility and property management skills by taking inventory, categorizing, and evaluating toys. (PB)

This bulletin describes toys and games found to be appropriate for use with children with disabilities. The toys, made by Discovery Toys, include products that promote exploration, play with both hands, sorting and matching, self-awareness, coordination, cause-effect relationships, imagination, construction, language use, and interaction with…

The book describes techniques for helping nonspeaking individuals to communicate. The first section focuses on equipment, presenting information on materials and instructions for constructing such equipment as communication boards for children who need a looking response; boards or trays for children with motor control problems; brief-case-style…

This booklet was designed to aid parents in making things at home to develop their newborn to 2-year-old children's skills. Suggested are easy-to-make visual stimuli for infants up to 6 weeks of age and 6 weeks to 3 months of age. For the latter, tactile stimuli also are considered. For infants 3 to 6 months of age, objects providing visual,…

This collection of play sheets for parents and early intervention personnel was developed by the "Let's Play! Project," a 3-year federally supported project that worked to promote play in infants and toddlers with disabilities through the use of "low-tech" assistive technology. Each single page guide provides guidance to…

Describes the potential of using toy design and toy making to foster traditional literacy skills, cultural awareness, and scientific and technological understanding. Uses a Web site (http://www.WorldPlay.org) as both an exemplar and staring point for this exposition. Offers suggestions for engaging students in literacy acts, in the fullest sense…

Provides suggestions to help parents select safe toys for children under five years, including assess breakability; investigate flammability; avoid electrical toys; avoid toys with sharp edges; watch for toys that might pinch; avoid small pieces; consider sound and vision; and think about appropriate themes. (SM)