Philippine Normal University

The National Center for Teacher Education

College of Teacher Development
FACULTY OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

2P- ECED07: EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS IN ECE

ACADEMIC TASK 3: Journal Analysis

Name: _________________________________________________________
Yr. & Sec.: ____________________________ Date: ___________________________________

PART 1:

1. Choose one topic discussed in Unit 3:

A. Children’s diversity and teaching
B. Early childhood environments for learning
C. Educational toys and materials for teaching
D. Media and technology use
E. Culturally sensitive teaching and learning
F. Project-based teaching

2. Search and download a RESEARCH ARTICLE related to the topic you have
chosen in Unit 3. Search on High Impact and Reputable Journal Publications in
Early Childhood Education.
3. Read and make annotations on the article that you have downloaded.

APRIL ANN CURUGAN I FES - CTD 1

 PART 2: Journal Analysis
Complete the table below.
TITLE: Choosing Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development
CITATION: (APA 7th ed.) Gabriel, G. (2023). Using Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and
Development. [Unpublished article].
NOTES:
Play is the primary mechanism through which
infants and toddlers learn and develop. It allows
them to experience their world, practice new
skills, and internalize new ideas.
Teachers should be mindful of the basic
principles of child development and the
importance of play. By intentionally selecting
toys that meet the child's unique needs and
interests, teachers can support their learning
journey.
Teacher-child interactions during play are
critical in helping children make sense of their
experiences and promoting further exploration.
This interaction allows children to understand
their environment better and fosters their
cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Homemade toys and readily available materials
can be just as effective as expensive store-bought
toys. The key is to select engaging toys that are
safe and suitable for the child's age, abilities, and
interests.
Choosing toys that promote development within
different domains (language, fine motor, gross
motor, social-emotional, and cognitive) is
essential. Teachers can consider how toys and
APRIL ANN CURUGAN I FES - CTD
PERSONAL COMMENTS/ QUESTIONS/
HIGHLIGHTS/ SUMMARY
The role of play in early childhood development
is crucial, as it provides a foundation for
learning and exploration. It's fascinating how
children's play evolves and how they acquire
new skills through engaging in different
activities.
Teachers have a responsibility to choose toys
that are developmentally appropriate and
engaging. It's essential to understand each
child's developmental stage and tailor the toys
and activities to promote their growth and
interests.
Building meaningful connections with children
during play creates a nurturing and supportive
learning environment. Teachers play an
essential role in guiding children's play
experiences, helping them make connections
and explore the world around them.
It's empowering to know that toys don't have to
be expensive or elaborate to support children's
learning. With creativity and resourcefulness,
teachers can create engaging toys using
everyday materials, making learning accessible
to all children.
Understanding the interconnectedness of
different domains of development and selecting
toys that address each domain is crucial. Toys
can provide opportunities for children to
2
 experiences will support development and select practice various skills and enhance their overall
toys that encourage specific skills. development.

Safety is paramount when selecting toys.
Teachers should ensure that toys are free from
potential hazards, such as sharp edges, toxic
substances, or choking hazards. By checking
labels and using safe materials, teachers can
protect children's well-being and create a secure
play environment.
The safety of children should always be
prioritized when selecting toys. Being aware of
potential hazards and adhering to safety
guidelines ensures that children can explore and
play without unnecessary risks or harm.

Creativity and imagination play a significant role
in turning simple materials into stimulating toys.
Homemade toys made from readily available
materials can spark children's curiosity, promote
creativity, and foster their imagination, making
their play experiences more meaningful.
It's incredible to witness how simple materials
can be transformed into engaging toys that
ignite children's imagination and creativity.
Providing children with open-ended materials
allows for endless possibilities and encourages
their exploration and self-expression.

PART 3: Summary and Insights:

PERSONAL SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE:

In this article, the main point is to emphasize the significant role that play plays in the learning
and development of infants and toddlers. It stresses the importance of carefully choosing toys that are
suitable for the child's age, taking into account their developmental stage and interests, while also
ensuring their safety. The article highlights the crucial interactions between teachers and children
during play, as these interactions help children understand their experiences better and encourage
further exploration. What stands out is the idea that homemade toys and easily accessible materials
can be just as effective as expensive store-bought toys. This encourages teachers to tap into their
creativity and resourcefulness to create engaging toys using everyday objects, making learning
accessible to all children. Additionally, the article emphasizes the interconnectedness of different
areas of development and suggests that toys should be selected to support specific skills within each
domain.

Another important aspect is the consideration of toy safety, with an emphasis on choosing
materials that are free from potential hazards. The article also highlights the value of nurturing
children's imagination and creativity by transforming simple materials into exciting toys. The article
reminds us of the powerful role that play plays in the cognitive, emotional, and social development of
children. By selecting appropriate toys, engaging in meaningful interactions, and creating a safe and
stimulating play environment, teachers can effectively support the unique needs and interests of each
child, fostering their overall growth and learning.

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ANALYSIS, LEARNINGS, AND INSIGHTS FROM THE ARTICLE:
The article highlights the crucial role of play and toy selection in supporting the learning and
development of infants and toddlers. One key analysis is the emphasis on intentional toy choices that
align with the child's developmental stage, interests, and safety considerations. The recognition that
homemade toys and readily available materials can be just as effective as expensive store-bought toys
underscores the importance of creativity and resourcefulness in early childhood education. The article
also emphasizes the significance of teacher-child interactions during play, as educators play a vital
role in guiding children's understanding, promoting exploration, and fostering meaningful
connections.

From this article, we learn that play serves as a powerful mechanism for children's learning
and development. It allows them to explore, practice new skills, and make sense of the world around
them. Age-appropriate, engaging, and safe toy selection is crucial to support children's unique needs
and interests. Additionally, we learn the importance of teacher-child interactions during play, as
teachers can guide and enhance children's play experiences, facilitating understanding and promoting
further exploration.

One key insight gained from this article is the significance of creativity and resourcefulness in
early childhood education. The ability to create engaging and meaningful toys using readily available
materials allows for inclusive learning experiences, regardless of economic constraints. Teachers can
tap into their creativity to foster children's imagination and creativity. Another insight is the
importance of creating a safe and stimulating play environment. By considering safety factors and
selecting toys free from hazards, educators can provide a secure space for children to explore, learn,
and play.

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