Toymaking With Children (Paperback)

by Freya Jaffke (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'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)

Product Description
The toys that surround children during their first five years are essential tools for awakening imaginations and creativity. From many years of experience as a kindergarten teacher, Freya Jaffke makes helpful suggestions for adults who wish to select age-appropriate toys for children. She also shows how to make a variety of toys. There are 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 all parents of young children.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Floris Books (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863153674
• ISBN-13: 978-0863153679
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #321,303 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Directions for Waldorf-style toys and more..., November 23, 2000

By	christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Toymaking With Children (Paperback)

This book is a revised and expanded edition of the original book titled "Making Soft Toys" which was published in 1981. The author is a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher. This book discusses the importance of play as seen through a Waldorf education perspective and explains that natural playthings from nature and toys made from natural products are important. The book opens with several essays on the subject of the value of play and the nature of (appropriate) play as seen through the eyes of a Waldorf educator. Simple toys that allow imaginative and creative play are defined as ideal and appropriate for the proper development of the child. The author states that toys made by hand are more appreciated by children and she urges parents to make toys by hand, with the child's help or the child watching. A listing of toys appropriate for different age groups is listed. Discussion about outdoor play, play with dolls, and clean up time is included. Full instructions for over 45 toys are provided. Toys include dolls and doll clothing, knitted animals, wooden playstands and cloths, wooden tree blocks, and carved wooden toys (bridges, animals, spoons, etc.). Using wool roving is explained and instructions for creating pictures with plant-dyed wool end the book. The book is 93 pages long and the instructions are detailed and illustrated with line drawings. If you enjoy crafts and want to make Waldorf-style toys, this book is a must and a good value. Of course you can buy many of these toys already made, but you would save a lot of money by making these yourself.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall....pretty good, August 15, 2005

By	sunshinedrop "sunshinedrop" (Williamsburg, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This book gives good ideas for toys to make at home and gives some good description of children's play at different stages. The main problem I have is that I have never carved wood and there are no directions on how to actually carve. I would like to make some of the wooden toys, but I will need to do more research beyond this book to actually be able to carve the wooden toys. So, I guess I'm saying, if you have a base knowledge in sewing and carving, this book is very good....if not, you will need to do some other research in addition to this book.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just toymaking plans!, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Toymaking With Children (Paperback)

I recieved this book and really couldn't be more pleased! It begins by describing the purpose of play, and shows us how to best implement positive play in children's lives. It lists some toys that are appropriate for each age group and goes on to describe how to make a number of toys. The ideas i found to be very enlightening, and I so look forward to making some of these wonderful toys! Oh and this book has a waldorf slant to it. An excellent find!