Colwyn Trevarthen, professor of developmental psychology at theUniversity of Edinburgh, said, 'Young children don't need toys. They arenaturally musical and have a wonderful control of rhythm. They createand compose with their mothers. In dramatic play they show a naturalsense of a storyline. With dance they readily recognise patterns ofmovement.'
Professor Trevarthen delivered a keynote speech at a conference inChicago last week held by the Theraplay Institute, an organisation forexperts in play. He told delegates, 'Toys are not necessarily harmful.They are just a distraction. Children lead intensely imaginative lives.Simple games and role play go a lot further in terms of deliveringenjoyment and developing learning.'
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