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

  1. Facilitate learning and creativity
  • Children learn as they discover new ways to play with an old toy.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Easier tidying up
  2. Save money

 

How to set up a toy rotation system?

Step 1: Categorise toys into 3 categories

  1. Thinking toys: toys that promote cognitive development and fine motor development (e.g. puzzles, board games)
  2. Moving toys: toys that target gross motor movements (e.g. balls)
  3. 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.