We have a natural affinity with animals that starts from a very early age. As toddlers, one of the first things we learn is how to identify animals and their sounds.
Learning about animals has educational, environmental, ethical, and emotional benefits, which is why parents should encourage animal farm toy play for their toddlers and children. Learning about animals opens up our understanding of the wonder of the earth’s biodiversity and the different environments animals are part of. Furthermore, animal play inspires creativity through unique gameplay and storytelling. We don’t just have a biological and scientific connection to animals, they also form an integral part of our social and cultural history through folklore, myths, and fables.
It’s never too early to start learning about conservation, sustainability, and instilling a sense of ethical responsibility towards nature. Animal play fosters compassion and empathy and is a great tool for creating a well-rounded education. The ERTL company has been a part of this journey for decades by encouraging animal play with its range of toys. ERTL’s commitment to manufacturing beautiful, realistic, and detailed animal toys is a hallmark of the brand and is the reason why ERTL toys are so popular among children and collectors.
Children and toddlers often have a natural attraction to animals, and there are several reasons for this:
We love animals because we are naturally curious and want to feel connected to nature. Our affinity with animals and the natural world offers huge potential for play and learning, and nurturing this connection is an integral part of a child’s development.
For toddlers and children, identifying animals is more than just a simple skill. The ability to identify animals is a milestone that contributes to growth and understanding because it promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. These early developmental skills lay the groundwork for more advanced learning, while also nurturing a love for nature.
But why is identifying animals such an important milestone?
Firstly, it indicates important classification skills and shows the brain’s ability to categorize things based on shared characteristics. It also indicates language development and vocabulary-building skills. Children who can identify animals have honed their observation skills and this also shows their curiosity, tendency towards learning, and their connection to nature.
Knowing about animals opens up the scope for imaginative play, including storytelling and role-playing opportunities. It also leads to social and emotional development by being able to understand animals and their behaviors. Identifying animals is part of our educational foundation because it shows a preparation for learning, which is why parents should encourage animal play from a young age by introducing toy animals.
Individual development varies, but here’s a rough guide for age and milestones:
Animal play has numerous benefits for toddlers and children and is essential for a well-rounded education. Here are some of the key benefits of animal play and why it should be incorporated into your child’s playtime and learning.
Building animal play into your child’s life can help with a variety of skills and there are numerous opportunities to be creative to maximize learning and fun.
ERTL is renowned for manufacturing die-cast metal replicas of agricultural replicas, farm equipment, and farm vehicles. As part of their vision for integrated imaginative play, they also produce a range of popular farm animal toys. These farm animal toys are typically made of plastic and are realistic representations of common farm animals. ERTL has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality realistic toys, which is why they are so popular and resonate with every age.
ERTL Farm Animal Playsets include plastic replicas of popular farm animals, but there are also ERTL Individual Animal Figures that are designed to be durable. ERTL also has a range of fun Wildlife and Nature Sets that include wildlife or animals in their natural habitats.
ERTL animal toys vary over time, and over the years the company has produced a range of toys that cater to all tastes and ages.
ERTL animal toys are specifically designed to be safe and durable for toddlers and children, however, it is always recommended for toddlers and young children to be supervised during play. You should always check the recommended age guidelines on the packaging, but here’s a general guideline for picking the right animal toys for your child.
ERTL toys have a wholesome and timeless quality and are so significant because they have an educational and cultural value. ERTL offers a realistic representation of the world around us, which encourages a growing interest in the natural world. The toys also develop the imagination and focus on a hands-on learning approach. The ability to combine fun and learning means that they are the perfect toys to foster and develop curiosity while also providing a lens through which your child can explore the awe and wonder of life, nature, and community.
For more information on ERTL toys check out the website or online catalog.
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