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Choosing toys of value: TRUCE Toy Action Guide

Children's toys and entertainment can affect their behavior. That's why a national group of educators created a Toy Action Guide to promote creative, constructive play and to help parents make informed choices about toys.

Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment, TRUCE, is a national group of educators who are deeply concerned about the effects of children's entertainment and toys on children's play and behavior. The organization has created a Toy Action Guide to help adults encourage children's creative and constructive play by making informed choices about toys and by working with others at home, school, and in the community to promote positive play and toys. The Guide also includes tips on toys and the environment.

This year, TRUCE is focusing on classic toys, such as blocks, which encourage more purposeful play than newer, high-tech toys. All of the recommended toys are suitable for all children. While the guidelines list the youngest age for safety and appropriateness, children can use many of these toys throughout their early years. Download your copy of the TRUCE Toy Action Guide from the website: http://www.truceteachers.org/Toy_Guide_.06.pdf.

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