This summer is a great time for
you and your child to try something different. There are plenty of toys like
yo-yos and hula hoops that can be mastered and taken to a new level. Your child
will be amazed at how fun these toys are!
Benefits of Play
Time spent away from the
TV/computer can have long-lasting benefits for the development of your child. When
children play, they are improving their cognitive, physical, social, and
emotional well-being which keeps them happy and healthy. Play also allows parents to connect more fully with their children, and gives them an opportunity to spend more time together.
Despite these benefits, however, play time is often sacrificed and replaced with screen time in front of the TV or computer. However, these ideas will be sure to get you and your child off the couch this summer to learn a new skill and have some fun together!
Despite these benefits, however, play time is often sacrificed and replaced with screen time in front of the TV or computer. However, these ideas will be sure to get you and your child off the couch this summer to learn a new skill and have some fun together!
Yo-Yoing
Think yo-yos
are only for walking the dog? Think again! Since the 1950’s, yo-yos have been evolving
at an extreme rate. With the introduction of ball bearings, aluminum bodies, and
polyester string, yo-yoing has transformed into a sport that is enjoyed all around the world!
Benefits of Yo-Yoing
Just like
play, yo-yoing has a number of benefits that help your child’s development. Some of these include:
- Develops fine motor skills
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Increases creativity
- Develops acute spatial awareness
Yo-yoing also benefits children with learning
disabilities like ADHD by increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence as
they learn new yo-yo tricks.
Back to Basics
Just like anything else, you have to master the
basics before going pro! Check out these tutorials for the essential yo-yo
tricks that every yo-yoer needs to know!
- Sleeper
photo credits:
Jennifer Williams/The Ithacan
If you’re looking for more yo-yo fun, come by the Children’s Museum on Monday, July 20 for a yo-yo demonstration and lessons by
Donald Hodgkinson
Click here for more info
Hula Hooping
Hula Hooping is another great toy
to master this summer! Just like yo-yos, Hula Hoops became popularized in the
1950’s. As the fad grew, more than 100 million plastic hoops were sold across
the country over the course of two years! Since then, ‘hoopers’ have taken this
simple toy to crazy new levels as it’s grown into its own competitive sport.
Benefits of Hula Hooping
- Gets kids moving and exercising without them realizing it
- Improves fine and gross motor skills
- Helps improve confidence
- Increases body awareness and spatial skills
Ready to start? Watch Lolli Hoops of the Boston Hoop Troop demonstrate some of the basics
