While selecting the equipment for different activities the following characteristics should be considered
Simple in design-Complicated design equipment/material destroys the child’s attention and freedom to express their creativity, whereas crayons, blocks, paints, clay, sand, empty boxes, papers are examples of simple but useful equipment for young children.
Versatile-The equipment should be used by many children for different kinds of activities.
Stimulating-The equipment should motivate children for creative expressions. The equipment should be used with simple instruction.
Large and easy to use-For young children it is difficult to handle small and tiny equipment. So provide big and easy to handle equipment. Eg Big hollow blocks than solid ones.
Durable-Use unbreakable equipment prepared from fiber than wood. Rubber wheels are better than wooden wheels for toys. Prefer good quality toys which will last for long duration.
In working condition-Children prefer equipment in working condition. Care should be taken while selecting the equipment. For ex. Tricycle with jammed wheels and aeroplane with broken wings may frustrate the child.
Available in sufficient amount-Provide enough space for children to carry out their activities. For ex: Too many blocks will confuse child and he may never start to build. For threading provide enough beads at least to prepare one item.
Designed to encourage co-operative /group play. Through equipment encourage group play among children. For ex: Kitchen equipment or gardening equipment makes children to play together.
Safe-The equipment should be developed appropriate for age level. For eg avoid tiny and pointed toys for 1 ½ - 2 year old children. Select the equipment painted with nontoxic dyes. Avoid sharp edged toys.
Multidimensional The equipment must be used in more than one activity area. Total usefulness of the equipment should be considered than its price
The following pitfalls to be avoided while selecting equipment and materials reactive activities.
Do not choose a material/piece of equipment looks “cute”. Instead, select each item with some developmental purpose in mind. For eg: soft toy with non washable material.
Resist the temptation to buy inexpensive.
Select equipment that is sturdy durable, well constructed and used roughly.
Other Considerations
Creative activities are important in promoting children’s ideas, therefore careful attention must be directed towards the selection of creative equipment. While selecting equipment for creativity consider the following characteristics.
Work towards a balanced environment: The equipment should permit several types of creative expressions; working alone, in pairs, in small or large groups. In addition to equipment for large and small motor skills, select items that appeal to the sensory motor explorations of young children. Equipment should be stimulating to see, interesting to touch and satisfying to maneuver.
Closer adults supervision: Close supervision is needed when climbers, rocking boats, large blocks, wood working equipment is used. Purchase all major equipment in child-size, rather than adult or toy-size. Equipment and materials for creative activity should also be maintained in good condition and supervision is recognized to see that children are not injured or frustrated in their use.
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