Educ 1000 - Human Development Spring 2004 - Växjö University: Dr. Helen Mongan-Rallis
1000 Syllabus|Schedule|Assignments
Visit a local toy store (downtown or one out in the mall area) to evaluate their selection of toys.
| Analysis guiding questions | Possible points | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Examine the toys and create a table/chart with the headings: masculine, feminine and gender neutral. Classify the toys into these categories. Include at least 30 toys/games/puzzles. Analyze and comment on your findings. | 20
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| 2. Determine whether toys that encourage violence are based on TV or movies. List your findings (column or table format). Analyze and comment on your findings. | 10
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| 3. Analyze how many of the toys promote pro-social behavior. Describe and comments on your findings, providing examples. | 10
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| 4. Compare the "masculine" and "feminine" toys. Describe and comment on the differences in their emphasis. Example: If masculine toys emphasize violence and feminine toys promote quiet, home-based play. Are the toys here in Sweden similar in this respect to toys in the USA, or do you notice any differences? (Discuss). | 10
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| 5. Describe and analyze how the toys are displayed. Are the "masculine" toys and the "feminine" toys next to each other? | 5
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| 6. Analyze and determine if the toys represent a variety of cultures and ethnicities. Describe your findings and give examples. | 5 |
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| 7. What "grade" would you give these toys? Defend your rationale. | 5 |
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| 8. Do you agree with the age recommendations listed on the toys/games/puzzles? Explain your reasoning and provide examples to support your opinion (referring also to the text for support about children's developmental levels). | 5 |
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| 9. Personal reflection: What did you learn about children's toys by doing this assignment? | 5 |
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Total:
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75 (possible) |
Educ 1000 - Human Development Spring 2004 - Växjö University: Dr. Helen Mongan-Rallis