Child development research shows that while each child may be ‘pre-wired' with certain traits, temperaments, and abilities, it is the interaction with their environment which ultimately determines how these characteristics are manifested as they grow and develop into competent adults.

A child's development is the result of "transactions" he or she has with his/her environment. Each transaction will result in new learning which leads to the development of skills and traits. You can help your child reach their full potential with the right frequency, quality and intensity of interactions they have with their environment.

Child development play, in turn, brings together ideas, creativity, relationships, physical coordination, feelings, and helps your child use what he knows and understands about the world and the people around him. Play is a very important and helps your child with the following:

• Builds good self-esteem

• Gives sense of well being

• How to deal with tragedies and setbacks

• Have a sense of control

• Make good relationships with you and his peers

• Understand and care about others

• Respect for property and belongings

• Be creative and imaginative, think and have ideas, develop concentration

• Be physically coordinated

Parents and teachers need to be involved with the play activities. The child will learn from your direction and responses. There needs to be a concerted effort on your part to set aside the time to play, no matter how silly some play may seem.

A child's brain is progressively influenced by the environment he is exposed to and thus will have a long term impact on him. When playing, your child's brain is at work; hence it too is a very important role in the overall development and education process. Regular play with your child imparts family values and influences his behavior and attitude at home and school.

Just as paper, pens, and books are used to help teach your child to read, toys can attract your child's attention and provide simulation enhancing his play time and learning time, especially during early stages. Playing with your child contributes to physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

Below we'll list the basic type of equipment, you should consider as part of your education supplies for children between the ages of nine months and eight years. We highlight the typical age range, physical play and development potential:

• Swing (9 mo – 8 yr) – A swing provides pleasure and enjoyment through rhythmic movements. As coordination improves, movements will build strength in legs and upper body and helps to develop balance.

• Slide (18 mo – 8 yr) – Learning to slide helps your child with climbing, building confidence, and balance. There is a sense of risk-taking and challenge in using a slide, especially as your introduce your child to slides with more steps.

• Sit & Ride Toys, Tricycles, Go-Karts, and Bicycles (1 yr – 8 yr) – This is a very versatile group of toys to make moving around much more fun. Kids trikes will help develop the ability to judge speed, steer, and pedal while leg muscles are strengthened and general coordination is developed.

• Play Tunnels (1 yr – 8 yr) – Play tunnels can be used as a place to hide as a game with friends. It can also be used as part of an obstacle course and link into other equipment pieces for learning. Coordination between the arms and legs and general agility are developed with this type of play tool.

• Trampolines (3 yr – 8 yr) – Bouncing, while lots of fun, develops a sense of balance and gives a child a sense of achievement. Jumping and bouncing will strengthen leg muscles and build stamina.

• See-Saw Rockers (3 yr – 8 yr) – Children like working in pairs and enjoy the sensation of moving from side to side and up and down. See-Saw rockers can help improve balance and coordination skills. Note that rockers can be suitable for an 18 month old child but see-saws are generally better for three years and older.

• Climbing Frame (3 yr – 8 yr) – There are a variety of climbing frame styles available and the key child development focus is coordination and balance skills. Climbing helps to strengthen leg and arm muscles and provides a feeling of challenge and adventure.

• Rope Ladders and Ropes (4 yr – 8 yr) – I should say that this is good preparation for gym class in grade and high school but ladders are the best place to learn climbing and build a sense of balance and coordination. Ropes are also a great way to strengthen arm muscles.

Prepare your child for his office of the future with the foundation of play time and play toys. Whether a parent or teacher, a child's education includes the physical aspects of coordination, creativity, movement to reach a sense of value.