Play

Preschoolers enjoy group play. They engage in imitative, dramatic play matic, and
imaginative play.
A 3-year-old still plays in an egocentric manner but is de- veloping more tolerance of
playmates. Play at this age is asso- ciative where there starts to be some interaction with other
children and some toy sharing. Appropriate toys and activities for this age may include a
tricycle, pounding bench, big blocks, musical or rhythm toys, show and tell, guessing games,
and puzzles (see Figure 10-10). Cognitive Problem-solving.
A 4-year-old's play is interactive. The child cooperates with another child and
actively shares toys. The child can also obey limits and often has an imaginary friend. This
imagina friend is often given up by the time the child enters school Toys and activities may
include construction toys, puzzles memory games, fantasy play, books, and music.
A 5-year-old has achieved impulse control and plays well in groups, so this is an
optimal time to introduce the child to

Toys and Activities that Stimulate Development

Skill Toy/ activity

hand-eye-mouth coordination Bubbles

Coloring books
Scissors
Video games
Large beads to string
Stickers
Markers or paint
Large buiding set

Small motor Crayons

Sewing cards
Art projects
Play dough

Cross motor Playing catch

Kicking a ball
Riding a tricycle
Building blocks

Dramatic play Play tools

 Kitchenette with dishes
Dolls
Magic wand
Dress-up supplies
Action figures
Cars,trucks,trains
Play people and animals

cognitive Books
Puzzles
Educational videos

Problem-solving Puzzles
Shape sorter
Board games

socialization Group games such as london

Bridge and red rover
Board games
Pretend play

Literacy
The child's love of reading and interest in obtaining the skill is established during this
time period when caregivers spend time reading to young children. The child will show early
lit- eracy skills by reciting the name of the books he or she wants to read, retelling the stories
in the book; asking questions about the story; pretending to read a favorite book; correcting
the reader if a page is skipped; and paying attention through the entire story (AAP, 1994).
Preschoolers will also enjoy books with more words that tell stories, especially if the
book has lots of pictures. Books about children with similar experiences, including going to
the doctor, going to the park, and going to school, or books about friends and families are
also appropriate for children this age Lastly, books with a predictable story line and repeated
phrases help keep the child's attention (Figure 10-11).

Television and Media

The influence of television and other media on children has be come controversial
since both can be constructive and positive. Television, however, is not a substitute for
education and play, but some programs can reinforce learning, promote creativity

Eye On
Toys that Teach

Through advertisements, some toys are promoted as "toys that teach,"meaning they
teach, for example "cause and effect"and "manual dexterity. While these toys are safe and
attractive, the nurse must caution caregivers to be cognizant of deceptive advertising. For
instance, an advertisement may imply that, if children do not have this toy, they will be
developmentally delayed or that this toy is an adequate substitute for caregiver- child
interaction. These claims are not true.