Quick Read for parents from Where’d You Get That!? Emotionally Smart Toys Excerpted from an article by Ellen Metrick, Director of Industry Relations & Partnerships, National Lekotek Center and published through the American Specialty Toy Retail Association. SEL stands for “social emotional learning” – an incredibly important aspect in child development as parents and educators alike realize that social emotional learning is key to both a happy and a successful life. It is also an important aspect for many children who have special needs. Social and emotional skill mastery is often a real challenge for many children, especially those who are on the Autism spectrum. Social emotional learning was originally championed by Daniel Goleman, author and academic who literally wrote the 1995 book on it entitled Emotional Intelligence. He positions social and emotional intelligence as the ability to be effective in all critical domains of life, including family, social and school. “It’s a different way of being smart,” . In today’s world of technology, children should be encouraged to interact with each other in real terms, not only electronic. Electronic toys are great to develop many skills, but they are not so great on many aspects of relationship building. Toys and games are fun ways for kids to strengthen their social muscles. Here are some questions to think about when looking for toys to satisfy social emotional learning. 1. Does the toy/game require kids to deal with their emotions, like winning and losing, changing places, occasional setbacks and dealing with part of the play scenario that challenges them to regulate their own emotions? 2. Does this toy or game encourage communication between kids? This is of key importance. Kids have to learn to make their needs known in a way that serves not only their needs, but also the needs of other players. I predict this will become even more important as some children isolate themselves with their electronics, leaving fewer opportunities to connect with one another. 3. Is there a team effort/cooperative play aspect to this toy/game? Even learning to throw a ball back and forth involves coordinating and working with another player. 4. Does this toy or game help to develop flexibility? Games that change the rules at a moment’s notice allow kids to learn that life can throw them a curve ball every once in a while. 5. Can this toy help develop patience with both self and others? Whether it is a crossword game or a complex toy assembly, a kid might need a healthy dose of patience to get to the endpoint. For kids with special needs, patience with themselves is an incredibly valuable skill to learn. Patience with others can then follow after one learns aspects of self-regulation. Allowing others to take their turns and waiting patiently are often critical aspects of play. 6. How can this toy or game build confidence and self-esteem? When parents and friends play with a child, that child realizes he is valuable and worth the other’s time. Through play, do you notice particular talents of your child? Is he quick-witted with word games? Can he build the most elaborate block castle? Do his musical talents shine through with the rhythms he keeps on the drums? Recognize those skills, encourage your child to explore and develop a skill that is emerging.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:21:17 +0000
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