Toys in a Classroom?

     I'll admit, when I first read the title of this text, I was confused. I had an image of children running around screaming with their action figures, out of control. Then, I started to read about how useful "toys" can be in the classroom. Children clearly enjoy playing with them, so they will immediately be engaged in whatever activity they are playing with their toys. Incorporating toys in the classroom will add a familiarity that will help them feel comfortable. There is an ever widening gap between the classroom and home that gives students a big disadvantage. Allowing students to bring their toys, and actually using them with the lessons will help bridge that gap and provides them with "important linguistic and cultural resources".
     When children engage in play with their toys, it is easy for teachers to see into the way the students minds work. It also provides opportunities for students to put themselves in different shoes or points of view, which is useful. Their toys also give students an immediate topic to write about or a story to tell. This concept reminded me about our class in E340 when talking about photography. The photographs were good starting points for students who struggle with things to write about, much like toys can be.