Cognitive
development is the ability to process information, reason and remember. It is
reflected in the child’s ability to understand and solve problems.
Preschool children love to play. They build towers, solve puzzles, sort
things and participate in make believe play. These games help build their
understanding of concepts and master skills. Providing children with an environment
that is stimulating is essential for cognitive development. Results of research
studies have indicated that there is a direct relationship between children's
environment and their developmental status. Availability of stimulating play
materials is more strongly related to child developmental status than other
factor. It is therefore important that preschools provide a rich environment to
their students stocked with toys and materials to encourage exploration and
active participation.
A stimulating environment that supports cognitive development is made up
of age appropriate toys that encourage children to manipulate, explore, count,
quantify and match tangible objects. Below is a list of toys that can help
teachers create a stimulating environment in their classrooms.
- Toys for sorting and matching to help children categorize and form groups based on one or multiple criteria.
- Puzzles to help children understand part-whole relationships
- Beads for stringing to help children identify, extend and create patterns; and for enhancing fine motor co-ordination
- Blocks for building and developing a conceptual understanding of shapes, size and stability
- Sand and water play toys to help children understand concepts like half, full and empty and to explore the properties of materials
- Puppets to support language development
A stimulating environment equipped with developmentally appropriate toys
mediated by a teacher who encourages, supports and guides children’s play can
ensure accelerated cognitive development.
