Purpose and Function of the product:
The purpose of the product is that the user role-plays using the train, wooden train tracks and props. The user can then build the track themselves and set out the props where they want them and push the train around the track.
The age range the product is suitable for
The Early Learning Centre suggests that this product is suitable for the ages of 3 to 8 years old as there are small parts which younger children could choke on easily.
Design, quality, durability, usability, visual appeal, health and safety
The toy is built to a good quality and the consumer can easily see this through the quality of the product, all wooden tracks should fit together and be in perfect shape. The toy operates by the child putting the wooden tracks together, setting out the props and then pushing the toy train. The product is aesthetically pleasing to children as children generally enjoy transport and take interest to it. The toy has light wood tracks and the props and the toy train are brightly which draws attention to the child using the product. Health and Safety is essential in children’s toys and the product is very durable so it should not snap or deform easily. The props are not suitable for children below the recommended age range as they are very small and are real-life representations so they could easily choke children trying to eat them.
Educational Value
The educational value associated with this product helps older children to develop their imagination. This is because the children role-play and pretend that the toy could be real life. It also enhances the children’s fine motor skills as the child pushes the toy train and has to assemble the tracks themselves.
Product 3: ‘Ben 10’ Scooter Purpose and Function of the product:
The purpose of this product is that a child can learn to scoot using one foot. The function of this product is that the child grabs on to the handle, puts one foot on the floor and one foot on the scooter. The foot on the floor then pushes and moves until the wheels stop.
The age range the product is suitable for: from 5 years old, as by this time the child should have developed enough gross motor skills in relation to physical development to ride a scooter safely.
Design, quality, durability, usability, visual appeal, health and safety
The product is designed well as scooters have been around for many years and their design has been improved. The quality of the product is good as the toy is made from metal and not a weaker material. The handles are made out of rubber and the base is laminated so they are waterproof. This helps make it more durable, as it will cope more with rain than other scooters. It is usable as riding a scooter is a skill that children have to learn in order to appreciate. The children will be able to relate to the character as they probably watch the program on the television. The colours associated are bright green and black, these colours contrast and stand out to children. The scooter will not be able to be used on rocky surfaces as this can cause injuries. This will have to be used on flat surfaces. Also the scooter cannot be used in rain or ice as the same will happen.
Educational Value
This toy has some educational values which are related to their physical development and their emotional development. It will help their gross motor skills in relation to their physical development as the toy will help the child develop their coordination, balance and strength. The toy will help with the child’s emotional development, instil confidence to the child as the toy helps the child feel secure and happy that they can ride a scooter, plus the exercise will give them good self-esteem and make them feel happy.
Product 4: ‘In the Night Garden’ Tombliboos Ride On
Purpose and Function of the product:
The purpose of this product is that a child can sit on the toy and pretend to drive it using the wheel. The function of this product is that the child sits on the seat and pushes the ride on using their feet.
The age range the product is suitable for
The Early Learning Centre says that the suitable age range for this product is from 1 years old.
Design, quality, durability, usability, visual appeal, health and safety
The design is that the child can hold on to the wheel whilst sitting down on a seat, which their back is supported on, and they can push the ground which enables the wheels to move. The plastic is moulded into the design so it is made hard and strong. It is durable as it is properly attached and cannot easily be damaged. The user can use this product by sitting on the seat and pushing with their legs to move the ride-on. The toy uses different colours and patterns in order to grab the children’s attention. The colours green and orange contrast and are visually aesthetic for children. For health and safety, it is important that the child rides in a safe environment with adult supervision, as bumpy surfaces could cause the child to fall over and injure themselves. For younger and smaller children, there’s also a risk of falling over.
Educational Value
This toy helps the child’s gross motor skills in relation to physical development as the toy helps the child develop their coordination, balance and strength.
Product 5: ‘Thomas’ Play Table
Purpose and Function of the product:
The purpose of this product is that the child or children playing can role-play and pretend to play with Thomas the Tank Engine. The function of this product is that the child constructs the scene themselves and they use props and tracks to play as if they were in the world of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The age range the product is suitable for
The age range this product is suitable for is ages 4 plus.
Design, quality, durability, usability, visual appeal, health and safety
The design of the product is that it’s a table where children can stand by and play with the toy trains and props provided. It is of good quality as the product is made from wood and is durable from the quality of the product. It will last through knocks and falls. It is useable by the children as they can push the toy trains on the tracks. It follows the theme from popular book and television program “Thomas The Tank Engine”, so it is pained in light blue as it represents the sky. This is good as children would recognise and be able to respond to the product. A small child could try to climb or lean onto the table which may cause it to knock over. Also some parts may be sharp to touch.
Educational Value
This toy is ideal for children who have friends over and so it is good for their social skills. It could help the child to learn how to make friends and how to enjoy company.
Product 6: Alphabet Snap
Purpose and Function of the product:
The purpose of this product is that children will be able to play a game where they can find pair that is the exact same. The function of this product is that the child can recognise the same card and say “snap” when they find the same card.
The age range the product is suitable for
The age range the product is suitable for is 3 years plus.
Design, quality, durability, usability, visual appeal, health and safety
The design of the product is that children can pick up cards and recognise the same cards. The quality will be good as laminating would stop all risks of children cutting themselves. It will be durable as it can survive through water and pen marks. It is used by the children who will pick them up and if they find one the exact same, they will then put them together and say ‘snap’. It has pictures and bright vivid colours on so it will be aesthetically pleasing for children. The only health and safety risk I can think of is that if the child puts it in their mouth, they could choke or suffocate on the edges.
Educational Value
This product educationally benefits children as they will learn how to problem solve, so that it teaches the child to work things out for themselves as part of their cognitive development. Also as part of this, it helps children who are learning to read as this toy helps the child start to read for themselves.
http://www.elc.co.uk/nurseries/toy-42845?&category=&age=&price=&els=&filter=filter
