Screen time and digital toys have exploded onto the market, so it’s never been more important to give children non-digital things to play with that challenge their thinking, help them with concentration, keep their fingers and hands moving in a variety of ways and of course keep them entertained. Enter: Beados – toys that encourage ‘constructive play’. Nathalie Brown is a child behaviourist and says constructive play involves using imagination and skill to create and produce a final product. “Constructive play helps in developing problem-solving skills, imagination, fine motor skills, and self-esteem,” explains Natalie. Here’s Natalie’s tips on how art and crafty projects can help your child…
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#1 Craft Encourages Step-by-Step Processing Whilst Encouraging Imagination
Natalie was given Beados to use with children in her care and noted how the Beados allowed children to think about the step-by-step process involved in creating a final item. Through constructive play children were learning about patterns, colours and numeracy whilst engaging their own curiosity and imagination. The Beados could provide an outlet for children to unwind and have a place where they can be whoever they wish to be, encouraging imagination.
#2 Art Develops Problem Solving Skills
When making artistic creations there is a significant amount of decision-making that comes into play. By immersing children in the world of art from a young age, they can begin to develop their ability to see projects through and explore their decisions through trial and error to see what works and what doesn’t – this is helping with the development of problem solving. For example, with Beados, children have the freedom to select the colours they like and arrange them in the way they want, lending a significant amount of attention to developing their ability to work through projects and flex their problem solving muscles.
#3 ‘Creating’ Fosters Patience & Attention
It takes patience and attention to produce the final Beados product. “Children do not really like waiting or have great patience,” explains Natalie. “The Beados assisted in developing these areas – the attention to detail in creating their piece, the focus needed, and the patience of waiting for their creation to dry. I had children who increased their sitting down from 10 minutes maximum to 45 minutes, as they were so involved and having fun creating.”
#4 Self-Expression Projects Increase Self-Esteem and Creativity
Toys that encourage self-expression, the opportunity to follow instructions and use of imagination can see benefits such as improved understanding of a child’s place in the world, increased self-esteem and creativity. “Creativity facilitates emotional, physical and social well-being,” explains Natalie.
#5 Intricate Projects Help Develop Fine Motor Skills
“Beados encourages dexterity and mobility,” explains Natalie. “The concentration and focus needed, and the use of the tools and items within Beados’ sets encourages improved fine motor skills.”
About Beados
Moose Enterprises is an Australian toy company that has become a global leader in establishing toys that encourage and foster positive play habits. The brand behind the international ‘collectable toy’ phenomenon of Trash Pack is excited to release a craft range like Beados that will encourage increased dexterity, imagination, problem solving and more.
Buy It
Beados can be found Australia-wide from all good retailers and start at $9.99rrp. See here for stockists.
Which types of ‘constructive play’ activities do your children do to keep entertained? Tell us below!…
