What was your favourite toy growing up? 

For me, it was Lego bricks. I suspect many of us share memories of stacking those vibrant blocks to create what, in a child's imagination, resembled an impregnable fortress.

Perhaps you, like me, recreated epic scenes from beloved movies, with Lego characters heroically defending against imaginary adversaries.

I cannot recall the fate of that particular fortress or who emerged victorious in those spirited battles, but I remember those playful experiences as some of the best building blocks of my early years.

The same likely holds true for you and the tools of your own childhood play.

Toys are often a child’s first tools of exploration, the catalysts of imagination, and the foundation upon which the love for lifelong learning is built.

They are key in driving cognitive, motor, and even language development during crucial childhood years. 

Most of us would readily agree, as ongoing research into children's social development continues to shape and enhance our understanding of what constitutes a well-rounded upbringing. 

And yet, in real life, many of us parents find it hard to put this in practice. As the father of a nine-year-old and 11-year-old, I must confess my own lapses in this regard. 

However, having spent 13 years behind the scenes of the Sony Creative Science Award — Singapore’s largest annual toy-making competition — my time in the front-row seat watching children marry the art of toy-making with Science, Technology, Engineering, Aesthetics and Mathematics (Steam) concepts has taught me two key lessons.

POWER OF TOYS IN OPEN-ENDED PLAY

First and foremost, experiences in both my personal and professional journeys have underscored the importance of open-ended play and the value of toys in the process of play. 

In a world dominated by structured activities and screen time, the pressure to over-analyse decisions about play is very real — how much play time is too much? What kinds of toys are considered educational?  

As such, it's easy for parents and caregivers to overlook the significance of letting children play without predetermined goals or outcomes.

Australia-based paediatric psychologist Deirdre Brandner once said in an interview: "Play is about a process, and open-ended play will allow the child to have autonomy over the outcome. Children need play to be fun — or else it isn’t play, it’s work.”

So, what makes toys effective facilitators of open-ended play? 

Toys are the gateway through which children first encounter fundamental life skills, from cultivating independence, to decision-making, to adapting to changing circumstances. 

According to Dr Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a psychologist at Temple University, toys are best described as objects that are 90 per cent child and only 10 per cent toy, because they leave plenty of room for a child's unique input.

Give the same toy to 10 children, and each one can find a different way to engage with it based on their interests, developmental stage, natural abilities and imagination. 

As such, even the simplest toy can facilitate play for a baby, a toddler, and a preschooler, and can extend its appeal beyond very early years to accompany a child in their growth.

Examples of great open-ended toys include magnetic tiles, building blocks, figurines, and arts and crafts. 

Digital toys, when designed and used appropriately, can also contribute to early child development.

For example, educational applications such as interactive e-books or gamified lessons enhance literacy skills, memory and critical thinking, while promoting curiosity and hand-eye coordination. 

The best toys possess multifaceted qualities, which offer a unique space for children to unleash their creativity and develop problem-solving skills. 

BRIDGE BETWEEN PLAY AND LEARNING

My second takeaway is the power of integrating play and learning. Educational toys, like those that incorporate Steam concepts, provide a remarkable opportunity for children to acquire knowledge in a fun and engaging way. 

For example, the Sony Creative Science Award, jointly organised by Science Centre Singapore and Sony Group of Companies, has seen countless primary schoolers submit their science-based toy entries.

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative influence of toys in sparking a passion for critical thinking and design learning in young ones. 

In my experience, within the context of Steam education and its impact on play, specific skills emerge as pivotal in a child's developmental journey. I would like to highlight three key observations.

Firstly, toys that integrate Steam concepts, like Lego building blocks and build-it-yourself robotics kits, offer a myriad of benefits such as spatial awareness, critical thinking, and motor skills development.

As children engage with toys that encourage experimentation and problem-solving, they learn to analyse situations, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.

Secondly, encouraging children to form their own notions of play by building their own toys cultivates creativity and innovation.

Through activities such as designing and building toys that incorporate real-world principles, children are encouraged to think outside the box and explore novel solutions. 

The process of imagining, building, and refining their creations not only hones their artistic abilities but also nurtures the innovative thinking essential for advancements in vital fields such as science and technology. 

Thirdly, play-based learning establishes the groundwork for the development of collaboration and teamwork skills.

Many toys and games involve group activities, requiring children to communicate effectively, share ideas, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. 

These experiences mirror the collaborative nature of not only Steam fields, but also several other disciplines in which professionals collaborate on projects that require diverse skill sets. 

The immeasurable influence of toys in a child’s life cannot be overlooked — as I’m certain our memories of our own childhoods will attest. 

As parents and caregivers entrusted with stewarding our children’s future, it is only beneficial to celebrate the boundless potential of play. In these moments of joyful exploration, we might just be laying the foundation for the innovators of tomorrow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr Fannon Lim is chairman of the Sony Creative Science Award 2023 Organising Committee.