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An essay about toys and learning

Introduction 1: When children play with toys, they are actually exploring the world, but on a manageable scale. Many of the most popular toys are miniature versions of adult tools. When children play with these, they are making sense of the world by seeing what rules operate within the grasp of their hands. A good toy should be safe and foster this exploration by having the qualities of... This is where the thesis statement should be added.

Introduction 2: Early traces of civilization are always marked by the remains of tools, but among these tools, toys are often found also. Children have always played with toys, and whether they are primitive clay dolls, or sophisticated electronic simulation games, the best ones share the following three qualities: This is where the thesis statement should be added.

Introduction 3: It is only a recent idea that a child's early years should be a continuum of fun experiences. A hundred years ago, children were considered little workers and given tasks as soon as they were able. But, to maintain an illusion of carefree youth, we spoil children with foolish toys that only waste their time. A good toy should give a child an opportunity to experience power creatively, teach the child social graces, and develop the child's mind and body.

Children are born powerless and unable to take care of their most basic needs. They are also plagued with fears of abandonment, the dark, loud noises, and countless other unknowns. Gradually, they become able to make small decisions for themselves and overcome some of these fears by role playing with toys. Toy dinosaurs have been the most enduring toy partly because these terrible lizards are frightening yet, because they are extinct, they are not threatening. Children can work out their fears and build up their courage for every day events while learning about scientific principles. A toy gun, on the other hand, is a shallow toy which only gives a destructive sense of power.

Children are essentially egocentric and need to be taught to care for others. The best way of encouraging this is through example; parents who do not share, love, or communicate cannot expect their children to do so. But a good toy, such as a soccer ball, also creates temporary social situations where a child can learn from his/her peers about what is and is not acceptable behaviour, and more importantly, what is enjoyable. For example, taking turns is difficult for selfish children used to being the centre of their families' universe, but it is a necessary skill to learn if one hopes to get along in the world. Solitary games may be good for some quiet times, but children should be given toys that encourage them to play with and learn from other children.

TASK: Write a fourth paragraph

Conclusion 1: As adults, we all put down childhood toys because they no longer challenge us, either intellectually or physically. Children at different age and intelligence levels should be given toys which will force them to stretch, but not exceed their abilities. Many parents are dismayed to find that after giving a child a box of toys, the child prefers to play with the box.

Conclusion 2: Many parents feel that the most expensive toys must be the best. This attitude is fostered by expensive advertising, often aimed at encouraging children to pressure their parents. Manufacturers around the world should introduce parent education by labeling all toys as to appropriateness for age and giving instruction on how parents can help their child best learn from it.

Conclusion 3: Although toys have continued to evolve in complexity, many of the best are still simple building blocks and other tools of the imagination. In future, children will begin to turn away from the temporary and solitary pleasures of electronic games and be encouraged to rediscover those games which promote lasting values.