Young parents are often surprised and upset that a small child prefers household items to modern toys. A unique study has shown that such games should not only be prohibited, but also encouraged, since they are the most important mechanism for understanding the world for an infant. /span>
In their publication, scientists from New York University mentioned that the influence of games and tactile interaction with objects is necessary for a young child to develop and adapt, however, previous studies were carried out in laboratory conditions. This means that the children had the opportunity to play only with pre-selected items, and not at home. The authors of the new study for the first time assessed how and with what the child plays during the day in his «habitat».
To participate in the study, the researchers invited parents of infants aged one and a half and two years, a total of 40 children. Specialists came to each family twice and during the day recorded on a video camera how and with what the child plays, giving him complete freedom of choice. Scientists were interested in any interaction of children with objects, whether they were toys or household items. Only touches to one's body, to parents and animals were not taken into account.
«Grey Bunny» and other educational games with children under one year old
A helpful article for new parents who want to help their little one explore the world.
Read the article
The study found that babies spend at least 60% of their daily activities exploring and playing with objects. It is noteworthy that trash cans, boxes, remote controls, cabinet doors and other “uninteresting” objects from the point of view of adults occupy them no less than toys. According to scientists, this suggests that the study of any subjects is as important for teaching a child as the most modern educational games. span>
«Our study provides an unprecedented picture of infants' spontaneous interactions with objects around them. Any activity of a child should be considered as a program for studying the properties and functions of objects, since this contributes to the development of the motor, cognitive, social and linguistic spheres,” scientists say.