Available online
Description
This programme shows the work of a small American company which manufactures toys specially designed to stimulate cognitive development in young children.
This programme shows the work of a small American company which manufactures toys specially designed to stimulate cognitive development in young children.
| Module code and title: | E362, Cognitive development: language and thinking - birth to adolescence |
|---|---|
| Item code: | E362; 04 |
| First transmission date: | 15-06-1979 |
| Published: | 1979 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Chris Cuthbertson |
| Contributors: | Richard Chase; Michael Williams |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Babies; Cognitive development; Danny Simpson; Doris Welcher; Environmental Programs Inc.; Larry Grubb; Rattles; Red rings; Soft block; Squeaky mat; Toys |
| Footage description: | Shots of a small baby playing with a plastic toy designed by the American toy manufacturer Environmental Programs Inc. In voice-over Richard Chase, behavioural scientist and director of the company, explains that EPI has brought together designers and behavioural scientists to produce toys that will contribute to children's development. Film of an 11 month child playing with flexible red rings, over which Chase provides a commentary that analyses the play from a behavioural viewpoint. Caption: "The History of the Red Rings". Interview with Chase and his Senior Designer, Michael Williams. Before them on a table are numerous examples of prototypes and experiments that eventually led to the red rings toy. Using some of these examples Chase explains the origin of the idea for the toy and the behavioural criteria that influenced the design. He also describes the unfavourable reactions of parents to the early designs. Williams describes the process whereby the red rings toy was completely re-designed. He illustrates stages towards the final product by means of sketches and experimental versions that were produced. Both he and Chase briefly outline the advantages of the final version of the toy Caption: Toys and Cognition. In his office Chase describes in detail the features of a whole range of EPI toys that have been designed with cognitive development in mind. The toys include the red ring toy, two rattles and a large soft block designed to aid development of a baby's grip. In interview Chase expounds on the general values of toys suchs as his firm produce. He argues that they can greatly aid a child's development. Caption: Design and Testing. Interviews with Larry Grubb and Danny Simpson, both EPI designers. They describe the process whereby a prototype is produced and how the toys are tested. Shots of a 2 year old testing a new toy which comprises a soft, plastic, squeaky mat. Notes are taken while mother and baby play with the toy. Simpson describes another toy, and there are shots of it being tested. Interview with Doris Welcher, a paediatrician who obtains evaluation of the toys from teachers. She escribes how play routines are written to help in the testing of the toys. Film of the staff of EPI in a meeting discussing alternative designs for the mat seen in sequence 6. |
| Master spool number: | HOU2980 |
| Production number: | FOUE015L |
| Videofinder number: | 1381 |
| Available to public: | no |
