Train Tracks: Discover what children learn through play
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Children can learn a lot from playing with a train track. Think of counting wagons, colors and motor skills. But how do they do that?
Train toys are an excellent means of helping children develop their skills. For example, they can learn to count by counting the wagons of a train, color by coloring the wagons of the train and motor skills by driving the wagons of the train at a distance.
In this article I will tell you all about how children can learn from playing with a train track.
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What types of train toys are there?
Educational train tracks are ideal for young children who are still learning about shapes, colors and motor skills. These train tracks are often simpler in design and have an educational purpose. For example, children can learn to count by counting the wagons or learn about colors by naming the different wagons.
Train sets
Train sets are available in different shapes and sizes. There are sets for the little ones with simple rails and wagons, but also extensive sets for older children with extra accessories such as bridges and tunnels. In addition, there are train sets based on well-known films and TV series, such as Thomas the Train and Chuggington.
Loose rails and wagons
It is also possible to buy separate rails and wagons and assemble them yourself. This is especially interesting for older children who like to build and design their own train tracks.
In terms of motor skills
There are also train tracks specially designed to develop children's motor skills. There are train tracks where children have to assemble the rails themselves and trains that can be controlled remotely.
Assortment
There are so many different types train toys available (here we reviewed the best train tracks) It can sometimes be difficult to choose which type is best for your child. It is important to consider the age and abilities of the child. In addition, it is good to consider what the purpose of it is toys is. Do you want your child to have fun or do you want the toys to be educational as well?
Advice
If you are unsure which type of train toy is best for your child, feel free to contact a toy store. They can advise you on which toys are best suited to your child's age and abilities.
Important!
It is also important to remember that it is not only about the type of train toy, but also about the way children play with it. Let your kids have their own fantasy use and discover what they like. This way you ensure that playing with train toys is not only fun, but also contributes to their development.
What can children learn from playing with train toys?
When a child starts playing with train toys, it can be a bit difficult at first to put the different parts together. But with practice and trying, the child will quickly learn how to assemble the train track and how to make the train run. This helps develop the child's problem-solving ability and creativity. The child learns how to combine different parts to form a whole.
Social skills and cooperation
Train toys can also help develop social skills and cooperation. When children play together with train toys, they must learn to cooperate and help each other. For example, they have to decide together which parts they want to use and who can drive the train. This can lead to a boost in the child's self-confidence and it can teach them how to communicate with others.
Improvement of fine motor skills
Playing with train toys can also help develop the fine motor skills of the child. The child has to grasp small parts and attach them to each other in the correct way. This can help develop hand-eye coordination and help the child gain more control over his or her movements.
Stimulation of the brain
Playing with train toys can also stimulate the child's brain. The child has to think about how to assemble the train track and how to make the train run. This can contribute to brain development and help the child to learn and remember better.
Educational and educational
Train toys can also be educational and educational. For example, the child can learn about speed and distance when driving the train. It can also learn about the properties of different objects as it drives the train through tunnels and over bridges. This can contribute to the child's development and make learning more fun.
Challenge and fun
Playing with train toys can also be challenging for the child. It has to learn how to assemble the train track and how to make the train run. This can help the child learn how to cope with challenges and can give the child a sense of accomplishment when they have built the train track from scratch. In addition, playing with train toys can also be a lot of fun for the child. It can have hours of fun building and running the train.
In short, playing with train toys can have a lot of benefits for a child's development. It can help develop social skills, creativity, problem solving, fine motor skills and can stimulate the child's brain. In addition, playing with train toys can also be a lot of fun for the child.
From what age can children play with a train track?
Children develop rapidly in their first years of life. They learn new skills and discover the world around them. Play is an important part of this development. It helps children to learn, cooperate and practice their behavior.
From what age can children play with a train track?
Children can start playing with train tracks at an early age. From about 1,5 years old, children can start playing with train tracks. At this age they cannot yet build the train track themselves, but they can enjoy playing with the train and the parts.
What do children learn from playing with a train track?
Playing with a train track offers children many benefits. It helps them develop their creativity and stimulate their imagination. Playing with a train track can also help improve children's physical development as they need to move and build the train track.
In addition, children also learn to play together and to give each other turns. Playing with a train track can also help improve children's social skills as they learn how to interact with other children and take their feelings into account.
What do you have to take into account?
As a parent you have to take into account that young children cannot yet understand everything and that they can sometimes have problems with certain parts of the train track. It is important to be patient and take the time to explain and show things.
In addition, it is important to provide a safe environment in which children can play. Make sure the train track is on a sturdy table and that there are no small parts that children can swallow.
What to look for when buying train toys?
When buying train toys, it is important to pay attention to safety and the environment. Check that the toy has no sharp edges or loose parts that could break off and end up in the child's mouth. Choose toys made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
Age and skills
Choose toys that are appropriate for the child's age and abilities. For young children it is important that the toy is large enough and does not contain small parts that they can swallow. For older children, the toys can be a bit harder and more challenging.
Types of train toys
There are different types of train toys available, such as wooden train tracks, electric trains and model trains. Think about what the child likes and what best suits the child's needs and abilities.
Combination with other toys
Consider whether the train toy can be combined well with other toys that the child already has. For example, the child can expand the train track with blocks or dolls to build a whole world.
Sound and movement
Some train toys make sounds and move, while other trains can only be propelled manually. Think about what the child likes and what best suits the child's needs and abilities.
Brand and price
There are many different brands and price ranges available for train toys. Choose a brand that is known for its quality and durability and consider the budget. More expensive toys are not always better, but cheap toys can break quickly.
Play together
Train toys are also fun to play together. Consider whether the toy is suitable for playing together and whether the child enjoys playing together. For example, the child can take turns driving the train or build a train track together.
Development and learning
Train toys can support and strengthen the child's development and skills. For example, playing with train toys can improve motor skills, increase spatial awareness and stimulate creativity. Think about what the child can learn and develop from playing with train toys.
Next steps
If the child is already familiar with train toys, it can be fun to take the next step and buy a model train, for example. Think about what the child likes and what best suits the child's needs and abilities. This way the child can continue to develop and remain challenged.
Conclusion
Playing with a train track stimulates the development of children. Showing them how to use their imaginations to design and build their own toys is a great way to explore their creativity.
So, if you have a child who loves to play with trains, let them play as much as possible and discover how they can use their own imagination to design and build their own toys.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.