It is important to understand that nearly everything the growing child needs to learn is developed and practiced in play, including concrete skills, such as counting, motor co-ordination, speech and abstract skills, including imagination, problem-solving, planning, and even learning how to learn. While play is of fundamental importance to children, this is not always appreciated by adults. All types of play, from fantasy to rough-and-tumble, have a crucial role in every child’s development. Play is the lens through which children will experience their world, and the world of others. If they are deprived of play, children will suffer both in the present and in the long-term. With adequate play, children will have the best chance of becoming healthy, happy, productive members of society. In addition play has immediate benefits, such as cardiovascular fitness, and long-term benefits, including a sense of morality. Play also develops the brain and is an effective teaching strategy both in school and out. With all of the evidence surrounding the positive aspects of play parents of older elementary age school children often overlook this. Yet by choosing the right toys for your nine or ten-year olds you can help them develop skills and promote interest that can lead to having a much more successful adult life. Here is what nine and ten-year olds like to play with:
Electronic toys often top the wish list of kids this age. They are savvy as to how to operate this technology and are often enthralled with the mechanics of movement. Handheld and full-size video gaming systems will keep them happy for hours. In addition remote control helicopters, planes and even robots can help foster better hand-eye coordination during hours of fun. The selection in this category is nearly endless as there are several variations on the RC theme.
Board games are still a favorite for this age group. Many trivia or word games are highly popular with this age group since most kids this age likely have advanced reading skills. Coupled with their love of all that is techno kids this age will love board games that have a technology effect involved. Boards that light up, spin or become something else may attract their attention.
Kids this age understand the dynamics of team play and often will choose toys that can involve their friends. Whether it is sports or charades they are often attracted to games and toys that let them compete with others. Water guns or paintball sets are also popular as nine and ten-year olds have the large muscle coordination to play these types of games with friends.
Children who are in this age group have often developed fairly significant sporting skills. They may be able to hit a target, punch a bag or throw a ball quite a distance. Sports gear for both boys and girls is often a top choice in toys. In addition these children have both the skills and the confidence to take on bike riding, rollerblading and riding scooters on a level that is comparable with kids even older than them. Skateboarding is also popular with this age group. Keep in mind that they may require adult size equipment for this type of play. The main emphasis here is that children in this age group still have immature reasoning when it comes to safety so it is crucial to outfit them with the appropriate safety gear as well.
Whether on land or in the water kids this age will love riding toys as well. From mini motorcycles to go carts and even jet skis they will view this as an opportunity to “pre-drive”. Again safety is a concern here so make sure that your young rider understands the proper safety measures and wears whatever applicable safety equipment is needed.