The toys surrounding a child during the first five years of life are of great importance. They awaken the imagination and stimulate creativity. Out of her long experience as a kindergarten teacher Freya Jaffke makes numerous suggestions for making a wide variety of toys, including ideas for making wooden boats, log trains, doll's furniture, rag dolls, puppets and soft animals. This greatly expanded edition is an excellent handbook with plenty of ideas for the parents of young children.

Reviews

'One of the simplest, clearest, and most essential books on toys and play that I have ever read.' -- The Peridot 'This greatly expanded edition is an excellent handbook with plenty of ideas for teachers and the parents of young children.' -- Kindling, the Journal for Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood, Spring/Summer 2003. 'Freya Jaffke managed to breathe her many years experience as a master Waldorf kindergarten teacher into a volume capable of inspiring, guiding and reassuring new parents toward a balanced, beautiful life with their children. This is a hands-on approach that is deeply suited to working with and understanding young children. This is a book to enjoy in the deepest sense of the word, and makes an excellent companion to Work and Play in Early Childhood. The new edition adds colour photographs, more toys to make (more joy to bring!), and wonderful discussions of which toys to give to children at what ages, how to create a beautiful, nurturing environment, even tips for clean-up! I have loved this book since it was first published -- this most recent incarnation elevates it from "wonderful" to "must have".' -- Bob and Nancy's Bookshop (www waldorfbooks.com)

From The Publisher:

Toys that Surround children during their first five years are essential tools for their awakening imaginations and creativity. Out of her long experience as a kindergarten teacher, Freya Jaffke makes many helpful suggestions for adults to select age-appropriate toys for children, as well as to make a variety of toys themselves. There are also sections on the meaning of play, stages of play, outdoor play, and how to help children play. This greatly expanded edition is an excellent handbook for the parents of young children.