Simple Toys, Simple Joys: Playing with Balls

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

12 Jan 2009 01:01 PM

We have plenty of toys that make noise at our house, have numerous buttons, light up at a toddler's touch, quiz you on the alphabet and sing songs. But, I am often reminded by my own kids that the simple toys are the ones that really make memories.

Although the weather outside is still cold here in pennsylvania, the sun is bright today. It filled our living room turned playroom into a bright cheerful space. These are the best days to get down on the floor and explore the toy box (or should I say boxes, since in our house we use wicker baskets that fit into Ikea bookcases to store store).

We did a lot of playing with balls. This is always good because not only is it fun, but playing with balls has a lot of learning in it. There is the physical aspect of course of running around to catch and fetch balls, there is the eye hand coordination and gross motor skills, but there is also so much more.

While throwing or rolling a ball back in forth, your young child learns cues from you as to what to do with a ball. He also learns exploration (what happens if I spin the ball instead of throwing it) and taking turns (if you are always the one to throw the ball, you'll never get a chance to catch it).

When we play with balls, I like to have several different types available, such as a bean bag, a toddler football, a bouncy ball, a soft plastic ball, etc. This allows for lots of exploration. Young children can see how different balls react differently, and even how shapes or size of the balls affect how they can be used. This ball can bounce, that one wobbles, this other one is soft and can be easily grabbed, are all things that your young child can learn.

Happy playing!

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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