Skills Categorisation

Including imagination and self expression, this category is often linked to confidence building. Products which fall into this category often don’t have rules to follow, and encourage children to develop their own way of playing with them.

This is separate from language development and vocabulary and focuses specifically on reading and writing skills, including phonics and letter recognition

This includes numeracy as well as mathematical concepts such as shapes, size and volume

This includes problem solving and other logical abilities which are often under-valued in the national curriculum, but which help foster skills such as initiative and leadership

This includes memory and an understanding of the world. Products such as the animal masks help promp discussions about the animals, thus increasing a child’s vocabulary and his/her understanding of that animal.

Many products can be used to play competitive games, but the products here are those whose play value is enhanced by the competitive element of the game.

Products are rarely competitive and cooperative and the two skills are both very important. Products here are often included in the communication skills category as cooperation and communication are complimentary social skills that impact upon children’s future success.

Anything which gives a child a sense of achievement will build confidence. Specifically, product s which have a ‘knack’ that children can learn, those which produce an end product which children can show to others for approval and those which have a ‘look at me’ factor are included in this category.

Being able to express oneself well is a very important skill. Those products which encourage listening as well as talking are included in this categorization as well as those which require children to give and follow instructions. Non-verbal communication is also important so product which encourage sign and/or body language are also included here

Cross brain communication (as encouraged by products which develop coordination) is beneficial in learning new skills as well as speeding up reaction times. Fast twitch fibres are developed by different products to those which develop strength and stamina and it is important to include products which stimulate all muscle types.

Enhanced cardio fitness is the biggest preventative measure a child can have against obesity. Children need to get out of breath to burn energy efficiently which otherwise converts into fat. Products in this range are fun and often exhilarating, stimulating the production of the endorphins which act as powerful reinforcers for the activity.

This category includes development fine motor control. Development of slow twitch fibres is vital for strength and control. Products in this category compliment those in the previous two, providing a complete range of muscle development opportunities.

Key factors in preventing injuries, flexibility and agility are important skills. Products which enhance these skills often help develop balance and/or coordination and reaction speeds.

Balance is important for physical development (e.g. core stability). Products included in this category also help children assess risks, as there is the possibility of ‘falling’. Teachers are encouraged to challenge children to assess their own risks (can they jump safely from one stepping stone to another without  falling off?) as this develops self-awareness and responsibility

Products which can be enjoyed through more than one sense are included here. These are particularly good for inclusive play as children who have difficulty with one sense, are often able to compensate for their impairment by using their other senses.