Developing creative play
For Dr. Kang Lee, director of the Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto, OISE there’s no right or wrong way to play with toys. “Encourage children to explore different ways of thinking. Give children an opportunity to explore and don’t limit the way they think or do things to help foster their creativity.”
The multiple purposes and endless possibilities of open-ended toys offer children the opportunity to explore their own creative skills. At 24 newly expanded Indigo Kids shops nationally, children can choose from a wide-range of open-ended, educational and entertaining toys and games that help inspire creativity from simple building blocks to Bilibo, the award-winning toy whose uses are limited only by a child’s imagination.
“The goal of the new Indigo Kids shop is to provide families with an unbeatable shopping experience that brings parents and kids together,” says Trevor Dayton, vice president of Kids and Entertainment at Indigo. “Indigo Kids offers a world of imagination, creativity and excitement that captivates kids and adults alike.”
Each age and stage offers a new discovery for a child that can shape their future. One constant is reading to your children. “Kids learn about 800 words per year, and only about 50 words are taught per year in the curriculum,” says Dr. Lee.“Parents need to teach these words to their kids through stories and reading to help them succeed.”
As Canada’s destination for booklovers, Indigo Books & Music offers a large selection of exciting and engaging children’s books – from classic picture books in the Baby’s First Library collection, to new favourites such as Scaredy Squirrel and ideal for reluctant readers, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
“My personal favourite has always been Goodnight Moon – it’s such a classic and I have read it to all my children,” says Minnow Hamilton, co-founder of SavvyMom.ca and expert panelist at the Indigo Kids Round Table.
Annual Spring Break events at Indigo and Chapters stores offer children a week of free in-store activities. From story time and themed readings, to interactive games, arts and crafts and more. Visit chapters.indigo.ca for more information.
