Toy Rotation : Some tips and tricks
“There are so many toys at home, but my kid does not play with a single one of them!” Sounds familiar? Did I just read your mind?
Well, if that is your problem too, the solution is simple! TOY ROTATION!
Filling limitless baskets with toys is never going to work if the child is not able to focus and engage with them at a given time.
My son turned 2 years old a few days back and we have been following toy rotation since he was around 16 months old, and it has worked like a charm. I follow his lead to set up a shelf with neatly arranged activities/toys and they are thoroughly enjoyed each time.
I am jotting down a few points that have worked for us over a period of time –
▪️I do not believe rotating everyday is wise, unless the toy is too easy or too difficult for the child’s level.Give a decent time to engage with the toy everyday and then if you see the child losing interest, replace it.
Normally I keep a toy on the shelf for atleast a week.
▪️How will you know it’s time to replace? By observing the child. If he ignores that toy or throws it while using, he’s done with it for now.
▪️Start with putting out 6 toys at a time, and then increase in number. If you feel the child is overwhelmed or losing concentration, go back to the previous number. Our sweet spot is 7 or 8.
▪️Do not rotate the most loved – Something that the kid enjoys, can stay for months. Let him repeat it, until he masters it.
▪️Do not rotate the entire shelf in one go. It needs to be gradual. As and when a toy has lost its charm for the kid, replace it. For us,mostly in 2 weeks most of the toys get replaced. Head over to www.instagram.com/bla.bla.black.sheep/ for our two weekly tpy shelfies.
▪️Try not to change spots. Re-arranging the spot of the toy, can confuse the child. It will be difficult for him to associate its location on the shelf.
I try to minimise shuffling as much as possible.
▪️All the materials should be complete. Nothing should be broken or having missing parts.
For a practical life activity, arrange it with a pre and post requirement object too. Like in a pouring activity, keep the cleaning cloth too, for the child to clean after.
▪️I even like to rotate big materials like Easel, chalkboard, art station, etc.
▪️Same goes for books too – wherever they are. Reading corner, morning basket, bedside basket, etc.
Dr. Nikita Mathur – A dentist by profession and a passionate researcher, believes in parenting with a difference. She is learning and unlearning with her 2 year old, and follows Montessori at home to raise a curious and independent child. She documents everything in her blogs.
For more details, please head over to her instagram page where she regularly blog about the topic of toy rotation.
