Notes

Helping Children Develop Skills Through The Big Wheel
It is frequently the case that a child or teenager will ask their parent or instructor for advice on'How do I get big wheels on a Big Wheel'. As with most requests for'help' there is generally a look of disappointment and the suggestion that we parents just buy them the larger one (or one they want). The usual response is that this isn't an option. However, I think there are ways in which we could help. Here we'll explore some ways for you...

I've seen a trend over the last few years where parents are looking to'make things easier' for their kids. By offering them a toy which allows them to use their creativity, develop social skills and learn responsibility recently has become quite popular. Big Wheel is such a toy. However, as much as'getting a child to use their imagination' goes, this has not been helped by the manufacturers marketing effort. In fact, Big Wheel only really comes into its own at the end of a play session.

At this time, usually around the age of four or five, children are ready to start learning about the physical world around them. Experiencing all the different materials, colours, textures and other interesting physical objects, are a fantastic experience. For this reason, it is important to introduce Big Wheel into this phase of development. What can we do to receive our children to engage with the concept of imagination?

First of all, try to use toys that effect a physical change in the environment. For example, as opposed to providing a set of plates with eyes, try to put a small block of wood (like pebbles) along with the plates. Kids, being curious creatures, will soon be able to identify the block and its own eyes. This will have a profound effect on their ability to interact with other people. As they start to comprehend the visual impact of seeing, eye contact is made, which helps them feel closer to others.

In later phases of development, when the child is entering the preschool years, toys can nevertheless be used to create an experience, like making sand castles or using different toys to construct and shape different objects. These experiences provide a chance to develop spatial awareness, problem solving skills and a sense of what'being' is all about. To encourage children to make these kinds of creations, try having some of them displayed at a suitable time in the day, while teaching other children how to create the objects. For example, for those who have a few children helping out at a craft day, exhibit the different types of craft items in a variety of positions. The goal being shown, is for the kid to find the item he's looking for.

As the child progresses through their preschool years, a few blocks away, they'll have the ability to interact with other people, but it is going to take some effort on the part of the parents. By using the Big Wheel as an opportunity to encourage creative thinking, by encouraging curiosity and asking questions, the child will be more likely to find new adventures for themselves. They'll be able to help out, as this may lead to them taking on more responsibilities themselves. Maybe they'll ask their parents for help to move a block, or even for them to hold onto a particular part of the Big Wheel when it moves. As their little minds begin to develop, and their grasp of the world around them increases, they are certain to open up more themselves, and develop this creativity in many diverse areas, such as art, music, physical activity and so forth.

By encouraging children to use imagination, as well as physical activity, when playing with toys, it is going to be easier for them to get into the routine of physical education. By the end of the elementary school years, the child ought to have the ability to stand by himself, pick up and take things, together with use a fork and knife. At the end of the primary school years, the child ought to be able to roll over, sit , hit with his fingers and toes. At this stage of development, they ought to be able to ride a bike, hop on a trampoline, walk or run with no support from others and so on. In between all these activities, they should have the ability to sit down without a pillow and reach toward an object on the floor, with the heels of their palms landing on the object.

All children have distinct developmental goals. Sometimes it's the drama that motivates them to meet these goals. If the child is given a toy Big Wheel and encouraged to use it, the child may begin to comprehend the concept of equilibrium, and be able to learn how to walk around on the Big Wheel. As he plays with this fun and educational toy, he's learning, too, and will enjoy spending hours enjoying this time with his friends and loved ones.
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