Kids' toys are more than just playthings; according to Baby Center, they help grade-schoolers develop social skills, improve vocabulary and think creatively. If your child is shy about exposing her creative ideas, give her toys that spark her imagination and encourage creativity as she transitions from kindergarten to first grade.
Role-Playing Toys
Role-playing toys inspire children to create scenarios in which they are in control of the outcomes. Hand puppets, dress-up clothes and prop toys that allow children to recreate familiar places encourage this style of play. Role-playing toys allow a child to step into someone else's shoes and be the star of playtime. At the age of six, your girl enters first grade and school becomes the focal point of her days. Provide toys that help her re-create the classroom, such as a play desk, chalkboard easel or magnetic alphabet letter board, and play the role of teacher.
Toy Instruments
By the age of six your little girl may may express a desire to make her own music. She is old enough to learn how to read music and play songs on instruments. Parents hesitant to invest in a real musical instrument at this stage may opt for a less expensive toy version. The availability of a wide variety of musical instrument toys provides the opportunity to sample instruments and determine if her interest in them is genuine or just a passing fancy.
Board Games
Board games nurture social skills such as sharing, problem solving and attention to detail. They also teach kids to follow rules and accept both good and bad outcomes. Games that include instructions and play money help reinforce reading and math skills taught in the first grade. Board games are available in a variety of themes. To encourage her enthusiasm for the game, use one that caters to her likes, such as one that features a beloved character or favorite animal.
Collectible Toys
Toy manufacturers have created a myriad of collectible characters, from dolls to figurines, for young girls to treasure. These toys inspire more than just play time. Collectible toys instill a sense of responsibility as little girls learn to care for their toys as something of value. These toys also help girls learn how to set goals (she wants the next piece) and figure out how to achieve them (she will save her allowance to purchase one). Suggestions for a collection of toys for a six-year-old to treasure include little pet figurines, pocket-sized dolls and "registered" plush animals.
