What is toy rotation?
With a toy rotation system, toys are sorted and categorised into boxes. Only one box of toys is made available for the child at a time while the rest are kept in storage. The boxes are systematically rotated so the child has access to different toys all the time.
Advantages of toy rotation
- Facilitate learning and creativity
- Children learn as they discover new ways to play with an old toy.
- Develop longer attention span
- When there are fewer toys lying around, your child is more focused on the toy and the task at hand without being distracted by other toys.
- Keep toys interesting
- Toy rotation keeps your child from getting bored. Rotating toys makes them like new each time and that just-like-new feeling is great.
- Easier tidying up
- Save money
How to set up a toy rotation system?
Step 1: Categorise toys into 3 categories
- Thinking toys: toys that promote cognitive development and fine motor development (e.g. puzzles, board games)
- Moving toys: toys that target gross motor movements (e.g. balls)
- Pretending toys: toys that target social/emotional development and language development (e.g. dolls, puppets)
Step 2: Make your sets
In each box, include around 3 toys from each category. Label the boxes.
Step 3:Display and Store
Display the toys from 1 box and store the other boxes.
Step 4: Rotate
Display the next box of toys after 2 weeks.