Embracing My Inner Geek: How Toys and Play Fuel Creativity
I freely admit it: I’m a child development geek.
Yes, really.
There’s something fascinating about how little minds grow, and how seemingly simple things like toys can play such a big role in that development. Data AND play? Sign me right up!
Today, on Embrace Your Geekiness Day, let’s celebrate those things that make us unique and ignite our curiosity.
Did you know there’s actual research on how the number of toys a child has impacts how they play? A study by Dauch et al. (2018) found that toddlers with fewer toys actually engaged in more focused and creative play. With less stimulation, they spent longer periods exploring a single toy, coming up with more inventive ways to use it.
“This suggests that when provided with fewer toys in the environment, toddlers engage in longer periods of play with a single toy, allowing better focus to explore and play more creatively. This can be offered as a recommendation in many natural environments to support children’s development and promote healthy play.”
“The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play,” written by
Carly Dauch, Michelle Imwalle, Brooke Ocasio, Alexia E. Metz in Infant Behavior and Development Volume 50, February 2018, Pages 78-87.
This research speaks to the power of a child’s environment.
So, what are you geeky about? Maybe you’re a history buff who can recite presidents in order. Perhaps you’re a knitting extraordinaire who can whip up a scarf in record time. Whatever it is, embrace it!
Today is a day to celebrate those things that make us unique. Share your geeky passion in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to delve deeper into the things that fascinate us. Happy Embrace Your Geekiness Day!
All Things Early Intervention 