Analysis of Children’s Toy/Game and Influence on Development

Analysis of Children’s Toy/Game and Influence on Development

Fun with Friends Kitchen- Tan

The Step2 Kitchen is recommended for children who are two years of age and above. The toy is a play kitchen for toddlers that can be used by several children to bring them together. The gadget features an upscale design to match today’s home décor and provide children time to pretend play. The toy can be used by both male and female children, therefore, not gender-specific. The toy is meant to bring an image of playing at any home. The toy allows multiple children to play with each other and teaches them to take on different roles. It has a countertop that resembles a granite surface. The toy is equipped with an electronic stovetop burner that has working lights and sound. It is also equipped with travel mugs, coffee pods, and go cups. Also, it is equipped with storage bins and a cleanup rack. The toy can also be used to play a restaurant pretend because of the sizeable pass-through window. Multiple kids will, therefore, have a place and a role to pretend play kitchen. The toy requires assembly by an adult and uses 2-AA batteries to function.

How Step2 Kitchen Meets a Child’s Cognitive Need

Cognitive development of a child involves learning skills that include; memory learning and thinking. The development of cognitive skills helps the child have an evaluation and analytical skills, enabling them to make comparisons and understand the relationship between cause and effect. Through learning and practicing, a child can learn cognitive skills. According to Piaget’s Preoperational Stage, which takes place between 2 to 7 years, a child uses symbols, ideas, and images, and it is the main reason children in this age like play pretend (Martha & Suzanne, 2019). The images and symbols learned can then be reflected in their thoughts and conception.

According to Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development, the interactions children have with their peers and adults are essential in developing their cognitive skills. Children learn interpersonal skills through interactions with others as they develop their cognitive abilities. The toy is critical because it allows the child to interact with others and gain interpersonal skills. The children can learn writing and language concepts on the different aspects of the toy to acquire high cognitive abilities. The toy is meant for two years and above children (Allotey et al., 2018). They can learn and practice through pretend play as proposed by Piaget’s Preoperational Stage to develop their cognitive skills. The sound and the lights on the toy’s cooking area also enable children to learn the sound that is important in cognitive development.

How Step2 Kitchen Meets a Child’s Physical Needs

Physical needs are essential for a child. Physical requirements include exercise, proper nutrition, immunization, shelter, and healthy living. Physical needs enable children to control the movement of their body parts (Martha & Suzanne, 2019). Physical requirements include brain development and help to reduce obesity in children. The toy allows children to play different roles that involve moving around. The toy, therefore, meets the physical needs of the children.

References

Allotey, J., Zamora, J., Cheong‐See, F., Kalidindi, M., Arroyo‐Manzano, D., Asztalos, E., … & Khan, K. S. (2018). Cognitive, motor, behavioral, and academic performances of children born preterm: a meta‐analysis and systematic review involving 64 061 children. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 125(1), 16-25.

Martha, L., & Suzanne, V. (2019).  Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective Second Edition. College of Lake County Foundation. http://dept.clcillinois.edu/psy/LifespanDevelopment.pdf