Unlocking the Power of Play: 5 Beneficial Toys for Children Aged 0-10 Years

legos laid out on a wood table top

‘Tis the season of shopping! During all the hustle and bustle, MetroEHS wanted to offer a few tips for how to shop smart for your little superhero! At MetroEHS, we know that play is a crucial aspect of a child’s development. This means choosing the right toys can significantly impact a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. During this season of giving, we thought we could explore five suggestions for beneficial toys that cater to the developmental needs of children, as well as share our Amazon Shopping Idea list that was created by some of our amazing and knowledgeable MetroEHS therapists.

Sensory Toys and Building Blocks for Littles (0-2 years):

In the early stages of life, infants rely heavily on their senses to understand the world and face-to-face time during play time is paramount. Through engaging directly with beloved caregivers and family members by singing simple songs, reading nursery rhymes, and playing silly fingerplays like peekaboo, little ones learn to enjoy level appropriate toys as well as time with caregivers.

Sensory toys with high contrast patterns are the most engaging selection for children aged 0-2 years. This includes toys with different textures and sounds and toys that allow for simple problem solving.  Aim for easy to grasp toys that target multiple senses for the sensorimotor stage of play in order to promote motor skill development and learning.  Ensure toys are free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Be sure to engage with your child by narrating what they are feeling and doing with the toy with simple language (e.g., “Big ball!” if playing with a ball). soft, cold, bumpy, hard, etc.).

Children are natural builders and playing with building blocks can enhance their motor skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. Choose colorful blocks that are easy for small hands to manipulate. Building activities also promote problem-solving, social skills, and cognitive development as children experiment with different arrangements and structures. Engage with your child by verbalizing and encouraging them to “put on”, “knock down”, “kick over”, “put in”, “take out”, or use narration of colors and counting to practice those ever-important verbal skills. Make playtime learning time!

-Pretend Play for Toddlers (2-4 years): Preschoolers love to pretend and role play. Toys that simulate real life tasks (cooking, tools, costumes) are great for cognition and development of the imagination. They also foster independence, social and emotional skills, overall language, and critical thinking.

-Games for Early School-Aged Kids (4-6 years): Board games tailored for young children offer a fun way to introduce early learning concepts such as counting, color recognition, and basic literacy. Games like “Memory” or “Chutes and Ladders” encourage social interaction, turn-taking, and strategic thinking. Games like “Sneaky Squirrel” and “Twister” can foster fine and gross motor skills. Ensure the games are age-appropriate and encourage cooperative play, fostering important social skills.

-STEM Toys for School-Aged Children (6-10 years): As children progress through the school years, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toys can play a vital role in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Look for age-appropriate science kits, robotics, or construction sets that engage children in hands-on learning experiences. These toys not only make learning fun but also prepare children for the challenges of a technology-driven future. Consider games like Headbandz, which can allow your child an opportunity to practice vocabulary skills. Card games are a great time to play with your child in which your child can think strategically, for instance Uno, Phase 10, and Old Maid, can be fun for early school age children.

-Art and Craft Supplies for Creative Expression (All Ages): Foster your child’s creativity with art and craft supplies. From coloring books and crayons for younger children to more advanced crafting materials for older kids, these activities help enhance fine motor skills, self-expression, and imaginative thinking. Consider providing a designated space for art projects, allowing children to explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

Choosing the right toys for children aged 0-10 years involves considering their developmental stage and providing opportunities for growth through play. Soft, sensory toys, building blocks, educational board games, STEM toys, and art supplies can all contribute to a well-rounded and enriching playtime experience. By selecting toys that align with a child’s developmental needs, parents and caregivers can actively support their journey of learning and discovery. Parents are a child’s first play partner. The importance of a parent engaging in play with their child cannot be minimized! Enjoy this special time with your child and make playtime beneficial for both of you.

Experienced MetroEHS Clinicians pulled together a great shopping list which includes some of the toys discussed in this blog. You can find that list here.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2GKR4U81VUFCE?ref_=wl_share

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June 23, 2023

Registered Behavior Technician FAQs

Q: What is the RBT certification?

A: RBT certification is a paraprofessional certificate that is in the behavioral analyst field, and you work under the BCBA or BCABA treating and providing services to our kids.

Q: What are the requirements?

A: What it takes to become an RBT here at MetroEHS is you must be 18 years old, a high school diploma, you need the 40 hours of training, and then take a competency test with the supervisor, and then you apply at the BACB website, and take a test, and become an RBT.

Q: What does the training consist of?

A: The RBT training consists of like an interactive and comprehensive 40-hour training that you work in a small group or one on one with other technicians or your BCBA. You’re out in the clinic, hanging out with the kids, learning and watching how they run programs. That could be at the table time or out in natural environment and once you understand the new words in the ABA field, you take your competency test and take the test at the website.

Q: What is the competency test?

A: The competency test is when the supervisor comes out the clinic with you and they watch how you run programs, they interview you, ask questions about the terminology and it’s pretty much just one on one time or you and the supervisor and your client to make sure you understand the terminology and what you’re actually doing and it’s highly encouraged to actually take your RBT test within 90 days of your 40 hour training. It is free of charge. You take the test at the BACB website.

Apply now!

Q: How do I maintain my credentials?

A: To maintain my credentials as an RBT here at MetroEHS, I track all my supervision hours, and I retake my competency test at the year mark or year anniversary of my RBT testing date.

Q: What are the benefits if earning an RBT certification?

A: MetroEHS offers two benefits for becoming an RBT. One is a raise and two, once you become an RBT, you have more opportunities to move up the ladder and become admin or fun stuff.

March 26, 2024

New Therapy for Age Old Issue: Pelvic Floor Therapy

MetroEHS introduced Pelvic Floor Therapy last month and this new therapy will change the lives of countless children because of it. Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized field of physical therapy that focuses on treating conditions and symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles in children.  Pelvic Floor Therapy involves training your child on how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles and with retraining and regular exercises, your child can learn how to better control and gain sensory awareness of these muscles, which play a crucial role in urination and stooling.

Who Could Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for children who struggle with or are unable to gain control over their bowel and bladder. This therapy is often recommended for children who are diagnosed with one or multiple of the following conditions:

  • Enuresis/Bedwetting
  • Constipation
  • Incontinence
  • Overactive bladder
  • Urinary frequency/retention
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary urgency
  • Frequent UTIs

What to Expect with Pelvic Floor Therapy?

The success of pelvic floor therapy often depends on the involvement and commitment of parents or caregivers. Adherence to recommended diet modifications and daily routines can greatly improve the outcomes of this therapy. At MetroEHS, our physical therapists take into account the family history and any life-changing events to tailor the therapy according to the specific needs of each child.

January 27, 2025

How Does Early Intervention Therapy Help Children?

Greetings, fellow guardians of childhood! Today, we embark on an epic quest to uncover why early intervention in pediatric therapy is the ultimate secret weapon in the battle for our little heroes’ futures. Grab your capes, as we delve into the extraordinary world of neuroplasticity!

What is Neuroplasticity?

Imagine your brain as a high-tech superhero headquarters, constantly adapting and evolving with every new challenge and adventure. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s superpower that allows it to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that even if our tiny champions face developmental hurdles, with the right support and early intervention, their brains can reroute and expand like an elastic superhero — ready to tackle any villain that stands in their way!

The Sidekick Advantage: Why Early Intervention is Key

Just like every superhero has a trusty sidekick, children thrive when they receive early intervention in therapy. Research shows that the earlier kids receive therapeutic services, the more they can harness the powers of neuroplasticity to strengthen their skills, build resilience, and achieve their personal goals. Waiting too long can mean allowing obstacles to grow larger than life, much like letting a villain strengthen their force field!

Fighting Supervillains: Common Developmental Challenges

From speech delays, motor skill challenges to difficulties in feeding, utilizing early intervention means therapists swoop in like The Flash, delivering focused support to help children navigate these hurdles. With specialized tactics, our tiny heroes can battle their challenges and emerge triumphant, all whilst building confidence and unlocking their hidden potential!

The Dynamic Duo: Parents and Therapists Unite!

In this superhero tale, parents are the ultimate allies, teaming up with skilled therapists to devise personalized action plans tailored to each child’s unique needs. The synergy created by early intervention turns this duo into an unstoppable force—ready to level up skills in communication, socialization, and physical abilities. Together, they create a supportive environment where our little champions can flourish!

MetroEHS prioritizes early intervention in pediatric therapy because it isn’t just best practice; it’s a superhero saga ready to unfold with amazing successes! Using the incredible force of neuroplasticity, our little ones can script a future filled with hope, happiness, and triumph.