Pegs and Pegboards: Not Just for Toddlers

1
Pegs and Pegboards Not Just for Toddlers I must
confess I never bought pegboards for my sons. I
saw pegboards as being rather limited in play and
having lots of pieces to pick up. Was I ever
wrong! It was only when I returned to college to
study Early Childhood Development that I learned
about the many, many educational benefits of Pegs
and pegboards for toddlers. And multiple pieces
can easily be contained in storage bags or boxes.
It was too late for my boys but I certainly made
sure these great educational and fun toys were
part of preschools and day cares where I worked.
I also discovered that pegboard sets can grow
with the child. Used in different ways, they are
also super Toys for 3 year old boys and girls.
While toddlers are concentrating on placing the
jumbo pegs in holes or stacking one on top of the
other, 3 year olds are busy making more complex
patterns. When toddlers are learning colors and
basic shapes, 3 year olds are talking about
hexagons and rectangles. Toddlers may sort pegs
by color and 3 year olds may sort them by shape
or size. Although pegboard activities may be
guided by adults, this can also be a toy with no
rules. Toddlers and older kids will be led by
their own interests and developmental level. Pegs
and pegboards for toddlers are super for older
kids too. An Activity cube for toddlers which
integrates pegs and pegboards is an ideal toy
that develops with your child. There are many
activity cubes for toddlersthat are attractive to
this age group but are limited to that level of
skills. An activity cube for toddlers which can
also be used for higher levels of learning is
cost saving and versatile. Toddlers will use the
cube by dropping the shapes through the proper
2
holes. 3 year old boys and girls may match the
shapes to the more complicated patterns. One
disadvantage to activity cubes is that there may
be too many activities and be over stimulating
it may lead to sensory overload. An activity cube
that can dismantled like a puzzle can be used as
individual games, letting the child focus on one
skill. As always when choosing toys for a toddler
or toys for 3 year old boys and girls, you will
be looking for ones that are safe, long lasting
and easily cleaned. They need to be age
appropriate and stimulating. The best toys offer
multiple learning opportunities and can be used
in a variety of experiences. Pegs and pegboards
for toddlers and activity cubes for
toddlerswillkeep the little ones busy and
entertained. And they aren't just for
toddlers. March 2018