In this video, Dr. Jon Sarnoff of Premier Pediatrics explains a simple way to help young children play and learn. It’s called the “Three Toy Strategy.”
Starting around 9 months and lasting through age 5, this method uses two familiar toys and one new or different toy to grab a child’s attention.
The new toy doesn’t need to be fancy—it can be anything from a kitchen spoon to a red car. As children explore the new item, they often return to the old toys with fresh interest. This kind of play helps kids think in new ways and encourages creativity.