Listening Playing And Viewing - The Canadian Toy Testing Council

Children delight in music as a source of stimulation and comfort. They love to experiment with sounds, delighting in the range of pitch and volume that they can produce. Most infant toys have a dimension of sound and an excellent variety of rhythm, and musical toys is available to appeal to children of all ages. When choosing an instrument, look for sturdy construction suitable for the intended age range and a pleasing tone. If the toy offers a musical scale, ensure that the notes produced are true. Musical activity centres should offer a variety of well-differentiated sounds to encourage auditory discrimination. All musical toys should be able to withstand pounding.

Phonographs and tape players have a place in every playroom. Children enjoy quiet times of listening to favourite performers or reading along with a record/tape and book set. In more energetic moments, they will dance along. These machines should offer good clarity of tone, an appropriate range of volume, and simple operation that will encourage independent use. Above all, they must be built to withstand inevitable knocks and bumps. If earphones are provided, listen to the radio through them and establish with your child a limit for volume. Doctors warn that sustained exposure to excessive volumes can cause hearing loss.

Toy projectors and other viewing toys should offer clear pictures with a minimum of special arrangements. Again, they must be simple to operate and encourage independent use. Where they depend on cartridges or slides, a good variety of subjects should be readily available. All electrical toys should be CSA approved.

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