We have carefully curated our toy collection at ScandiBugs to support open-ended play, cultivating imagination and encouraging creativity.
Open-ended toys have no defined way to use them, instead they can be played with in multiple ways. Rag dolls, sensory blocks, and pretend food are all popular examples of open-ended toys for children to create their own interactive stories. They promote pretend play, which helps to expand language and encourages social interaction with family and friends.
Developing imagination
Children develop their imagination and memory from ages three to seven so this type of play is crucial during this period of development; as children’s imaginations are developing, they need to be engaged. Open-ended play allows children to express their creativity freely and creates endless possibilities during playtime.
Leadership & decision making
Open-ended play enables children to be leaders. When children aren’t given instructions, they create their own. Rather than directing children how to play with a toy, open-ended play leaves the decision-making up to them. If a child is given a set of blocks with no end result to follow, they will build a creation entirely from their own imagination. Our Guidecraft blocks and TickiT Architect sets include no instructions allowing your child the freedom to make their own creations during unstructured play with endless building possibilities. By playing with toys with no pre-determined use children can express their own creativity.
Growing confidence to explore new things
There are no sequences, instructions, rules, or guides to follow with open-ended toys; there is no “correct” answer or “right” way to complete and finish the game.
Children cannot play the ‘wrong’ way with open-ended toys. The ability to play without instruction leads to less concern with doing the activity ‘correctly’ and spurs on a child’s confidence. Open-ended play creates a relaxed environment where there is no fear of making mistakes. It enables children to experiment with new concepts and instils confidence; when children are unafraid of making mistakes, they push themselves to explore new things.
Aids development of social & emotional intelligence.
Playing with open-ended toys with other children and family helps children to read social cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language, tone of voice) and teaches them how to respond appropriately. Because of the low-pressure environment of open-ended play; with no chance of getting it ‘wrong’ children are in a more relaxed state which supports development of their emotional intelligence.
Overall, open-ended play is fun!
Playing without restrictions is beneficial for children’s’ development but is also lots of fun! Each of ScandiBugs’ brands has been tried, tested and loved in our own home: Stacking Rainbows can be bridges and tunnels, Glückskäfer pieces can be rivers and forests, and.......
0 comments