Play and toys

This is not specifically for prems, but something I am interested in.  I’m a big fan of toys which are more than bright plastic (although I own some of those too), are not attached to a movie or tv show and are not just an excuse to buy batteries.

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Home Made Toys

Why make home made toys for or with your child?

• It gives you the opportunity to share play together
• It gives opportunities to talk, learn words and think about hte ways to use the toys
• It allows older children to be involved as helpers and gevies them a feeling of being useful
• It lets everyone learn and preactice toy making and decorating
• It allows you to teach your children new skills eg cutting
• It makes them feel good to see something they have made
• It involves the child with choices and decisions about his/her toys
• It provides new toys from recycled junk
• The same toy can be made for each child so they all have one of their own
• When the toy gets damaged or lost it can be easily replaced
• It allows culturally appropriate toys to be provided at home

(taken from a handout I received from a child health nurse)

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Educational toyshops and craftshops in Perth

(I have no commercial or other connection with any of these, and there are probably more I don’t know!)

Toyshops

The Play Room - Osborne Park http://www.theplayroom.com.au/

Playways - Subiaco http://www.playwayswa.com.au/ (NB This website doesn’t work with Firefox)

Trover Learning - Osborne Park

Playquip Centre - Applecross

Windmill - Cottesloe  http://www.windmill.net.au/

Kids Central / Early Learning Centre - Claremont and Booragoon http://www.kidscentral.com.au/

Art and craft supplies

Educational Art Supplies - Nedlands  http://www.edartsupplies.com.au/

Wooldridges - Osborne Park, Gosnells, Midland, Joondalup, Willeton, Clarkson (also in Bunbury, Mandurah, Kalgoorlie and Albany)  http://www.wooldridges.com.au/

RiotArt - Booragoon, Cannington, Hillarys, Joondalup, Karrinyup, Rockingham http://www.riotstores.com.au/