There is a particularly pleasant feeling when one passes one's hand over a well-made and solid wooden surface. And children seem to understand this better than anyone, since the wooden toys have not gone out of fashion, for centuries now and maintain a primary place among the games in every home, all over the world.
Wooden toys constantly updated, as parents remember their own childhood when choosing toys for their children. Consumers are returning to traditional toys, thus balancing the difference with sophisticated games and games of the digital age.
Η Amy F. Ogata, sociologist and historian plan, who wrote the book "Designing Creative", He says that this wood is a familiar and poetic substance, which allows the child to have a close contact with the tree, the table, the floor.
So, there are six major benefits of wooden toys for children.
- environmentally Friendly
The wooden toys are made from certified sustainable wood source is certainly environmentally friendly. as organic, renewable material wooden toys are biodegradable and can be recycled.
Non-toxic paints or no paints are used for wooden toys. Wooden toys are handmade and this is the strongest asset, when compared with those of mass production, while providing the child with a direct connection with nature.
- educational Values
The 1976, the pioneer educational psychologist Dr. lawrence Mestyanek, He had noticed the lack of educational toys for infants and children who have learning difficulties. Sought to bring changes in this state by building the garage of a number of special wooden toys and since then more and more realize the educational value offering wooden toys. The range includes wooden toys puzzle, building set (bricks) which help children with arithmetic, in motor skills and problem solving.
As writes Ogata, "Among educational resources for middle and upper classes, wood was the material symbol of timeless authenticity and refinement to modern educational game ".
- best Collection
The wood Workplaces, They soothe and stimulate parallel, with the best way. In a work environment where natural lighting and wood furniture, the mind, but also the body of workers gets into comfort and they are ready to cope with real work. Unlike in a workplace where the lighting is harsh and the furniture is made of metal (although in practical use) employees pay less mental effort and paid by negative feelings. Workers in a warm environment with wood is more creative.
- Durability and Longevity
It is undeniable that the games suffer much from the young owners. Even electronic games are at risk of malfunctions. But the wood resist mistreatment and lasts for generations.
- Initiation of Imagination
The relentless advance of technology has made the complex games. However, Simplicity remains better. The simplicity of the wooden toy triggers the imagination of children. You will be surprised by what the creativity of a child can do with the simplest thing.
- Socialization
Wooden toys encourage interaction with other children as well as sharing and teamwork. Because wooden toys sound or lack of interaction enabling children to contribute their own voice and sound effects, and work together.
Some modern games, "Do everything" for the child. The simplicity of the wood causing the child to role play, building (creating imaginary communities and cities and so on) and thus helps to raise awareness of space and society.
End, Wooden toys are safe and as a material contributes to the health and welfare of children. It is now clear that the connection with nature through contact with wood improves mental and physical wellbeing. Research has shown that education where wooden toys increases the level of learning, with better results in examinations, the concentration and attention of students.
Wooden toys contribute effectively to natural, mental and emotional development of the child. With the continuous enrichment of wooden toys available today, It is a world where children and parents can discover together.
Bibliography:
- Make It Wood Organization – Benefits of Wooden Toys
