Open ended play is an important part of child development. It helps kids learn how to communicate and interact with others, problem solve, and think creatively. This post will introduce you to open ended play and the benefits it offers. We'll also show you some great toys that are right for this type of play so your kiddos can reap the rewards too!
So what is open-ended play exactly?
Open-ended play is a type of child's play in which the rules are not set beforehand. Open-ended play has many benefits, including encouraging children to use their creativity and problem solving skills. It allows kids to develop their own ideas, interests, and goals.
Open-ended play is also referred to as self-directed or creative play. With open ended toys for children, your kids can engage in this type of fun exploration time on their own without needing an adult's guidance.
Some examples of open ended toys include blocks, figurines, and cars. These toys allow children to create their own rules and goals, and explore different possibilities. With blocks, kids can build anything they imagine. With figurines, they can create their own stories. And with cars, they can race, drive around town, or even crash into each other.
Close ended toys are the opposite of open ended toys. With close ended toys, the rules and goals are predetermined. Kids using these toys usually follow along with whatever the toy tells them to do. Once they complete the goal, they can usually move on to the next activity.
What are the benefits of open ended play?
Children have space to explore ideas, test theories, and engage in new concepts. The open ended style of play is beneficial because toys should encourage children to test their own ideas.
It provides a relaxed environment where there is no fear of making mistakes. In an open ended play situation, children can explore any possibility without the fear of being wrong. This type of environment allows them to take risks and push boundaries.
It develops problem solving skills. Open ended toys present challenges that need to be solved. Children learn how to think creatively in order to come up with a solution.
It helps the child develop Social & Emotional Intelligence. When children are playing with open ended play toys, they learn how to communicate and work through conflicts.
What are some open ended toys?
Blocks and stackers are one fo the best open-ended toys. With blocks, kids can
build anything they imagine. With stackers, you get a box of different shaped and sized pieces that children can put together any way they'd like. Blocks can literally be the foundation of your kids creative ideas. Stackers create boundaries and enclosures for their imaginative worlds.
Figurines are another great open ended toy because these toys allow children to create their own stories with them. Whether they turn peg people into knights and dragons, superheroes and villains, or animals of all kinds, kids can use their imagination to come up with endless possibilities.
Cars are another great option for open ended play. Cars allow children to race, drive around town, or even crash into each other. This type of play lets kids explore different scenarios and storylines.
Getting started
Chances are you already have open-ended toys at home; whether you intended to or not. If you're looking for the perfect toy that will allow your kiddos plenty of opportunity for self directed or creative exploration time then one of these great open-ended toys may be just what you need! Which ones have been most successful at engaging your kid's imagination? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.