2.7 Baby Toys——topic:baby toys

quiz link

1. listening script

Woman: Hey. Look what I bought at the store. Isn’t this car cool? Makes all kinds of sounds.

Man: Wait. You bought five toys yesterday, and you bought three more the day before that. I can’t believe you bought another toy today.

Woman: Yeah, about that . . .

Man: No, no, no, no, no. Don’t tell me. You bought more than one.

Woman: Just, just two, but I mean, if I buy him a car, I (I‘ve) gotta buy him a truck.

Man: So, where’s the truck?

Woman: Yeah, um. About that. There’s going to be a bit of a problem. I . . . I can’t get it in the door.

Man: What do you mean? Is it outside? Wait, wait . . . Let me see. [ Yeah. ] Let me see that truuuuuck! That’s NOT a toy truck. That’s, that’s a REAL truck! Wha, What’s going on?

Woman: It’s my new toy truck that our grandson and I can enjoy (it) together.

Man: What?

Woman: It was on sale. We can drive up in the mountains, sleep under the stars, fish, go hiking. You know, bonding time. Y-You don’t look so happy.

Man: Really? Really? You’ll be paying for that truck forever.

2. vocabulary

• toy with something = consider an idea or plan.
  – I’m toying with the idea of traveling to Europe, but I’m not sure I have enough money.
• like a kid with a new toy = very happy with something
  – My father is like a kid with a new toy. He can’t stop playing with his new iPhone.
• bonding time (noun phrase): a time for creating a close relationship
  – Eating together with family is a great bonding time for everyone .

3. topic extension

(all answers generated by chatGPT-4)

3.1 pre exercise

What are some popular toys for children in these age groups?

• Infants (0-1 year)
• Toddlers (1-3 years)
• Preschoolers (3-5 years)
• Gradeschoolers (5-12)
• Teens (12-18)

answer:
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share some popular toy categories for each age group. Remember that kids vary greatly, so these are just suggestions. Always consider the individual child’s interests, developmental level, and safety considerations.

Infants (0-1 year)

1. Soft Plush Toys: Soft, cuddly toys can offer comfort and stimulation for infants.
2. Rattles: Simple rattles or other noise-making toys can provide auditory stimulation.
3. Teething Toys: For infants who are beginning to teethe, durable, safe teething toys can be very helpful.
4. Baby Gyms and Activity Mats: These provide a safe place for babies to play and explore with various toys, textures, and sounds.
5. Soft Blocks or Stacking Rings: These can help infants begin to develop basic motor skills.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

1. Push and Pull Toys: These can help toddlers develop balance and coordination.
2. Simple Puzzles: Puzzles with large pieces can help toddlers begin to develop problem-solving skills.
3. Building Blocks: Whether wooden blocks or larger plastic interlocking ones, these can inspire creativity and help improve motor skills.
4. Books: Picture books with simple stories can help develop a love for reading.
5. Musical Instruments: Simple instruments like drums or xylophones can provide a fun way for toddlers to explore sound.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

1. Educational Toys: Toys that teach basic math and language skills can be very beneficial.
2. Craft Supplies: Crayons, paper, safe scissors, and glue can help preschoolers express their creativity.
3. Pretend Play Toys: Playsets like kitchen sets, doctor’s kits, or dress-up clothes can inspire imaginative play.
4. Construction Sets: More complex building sets like Lego Duplo can help enhance fine motor skills and creativity.
5. Board Games: Simple board games can help teach social skills like taking turns and following rules.

Gradeschoolers (5-12 years)

1. STEM Toys: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) toys can help engage a child’s curiosity and promote learning.
2. Action Figures or Dolls: These can inspire imaginative play and storytelling.
3. Complex Building Sets: At this age, kids may enjoy more complex Lego sets or other construction toys.
4. Sports Equipment: Depending on the child’s interest, items like soccer balls, frisbees, or badminton sets can be great for encouraging physical activity.
5. Board Games and Card Games: More complex games can engage kids at this age and teach strategic thinking.

Teens (12-18 years)

1. Video Games: Many teens enjoy gaming, whether on a console, PC, or mobile device.
2. Art and Craft Kits: These can help teens express their creativity and even learn new skills.
3. Books: Depending on their interest, novels, non-fiction books, or graphic novels may be appreciated.
4. Musical Instruments: If they show an interest in music, an instrument could be a great gift.
5. Drones or RC Vehicles: These can provide a fun way to explore technology and the outdoors.
6. Puzzles and Brain Teasers: More complex puzzles or strategy games can challenge teens and provide entertainment.

3.2 post exercise

What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? Who gave it to you? What did you like about it? What happened to it: did you give it to someone else, or did you throw it away?

answer:

My favorite toy growing up was a stuffed bear named Brownie. My grandmother gave it to me on my first birthday, and it quickly became my constant companion. Brownie was just the right size for me to hug, and it had the softest fur. Its eyes were friendly and comforting, and I loved its tiny stitched nose and the red ribbon tied around its neck.

What I liked most about Brownie was the sense of comfort it gave me. Whenever I was upset or scared, hugging Brownie made me feel a little better. I also enjoyed creating adventures for us. Brownie was an astronaut, a superhero, a fellow pirate, and a confidant.

As I grew older, I stopped playing with Brownie, but I couldn’t bear to give it away. It’s still with me, stored safely in my memory box. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of the simple joys of my childhood. Despite being a bit worn and faded now, Brownie is still as comforting as ever and holds a special place in my heart.

3.3 online investigation

What are five of the most famous or influential toys of all time? What made them so popular? In what country did the toy first appear? Was the toy made for boys, girls, or both? Here are two examples. Use the Internet to find more:

• The Rubic’s Cube
• Barbie

answer:

1. Rubik’s Cube

   • Country of origin: Hungary
   • Made for: Both boys and girls
   • Popularity: The Rubik’s Cube became a global phenomenon in the early 1980s due to its challenging and addictive nature. Its unique design, with a seemingly endless number of possible configurations, captured the imagination of people of all ages. The puzzle also tapped into the human desire to solve problems and offered a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

2. Barbie

   • Country of origin: United States
   • Made for: Primarily girls, but enjoyed by some boys as well
   • Popularity: Barbie was introduced in 1959 and quickly became popular due to its unique, fashionable, and versatile design. It allowed girls to play with a more grown-up and stylish doll, promoting imaginative play and offering a variety of career options, outfits, and accessories. Barbie has since become a cultural icon and has been adapted to reflect changing times and social values.

3. LEGO

   • Country of origin: Denmark
   • Made for: Both boys and girls
   • Popularity: LEGO was first introduced in 1949 and gained popularity because of its innovative interlocking brick system. The toy allows for endless creative possibilities, as children can build and rebuild a variety of structures and objects. LEGO sets cater to various interests, from basic building blocks to complex models and themed sets, capturing the imagination of generations of children and adults.

4. Slinky

   • Country of origin: United States
   • Made for: Both boys and girls
   • Popularity: The Slinky was invented in 1943 and became popular due to its simple, yet fascinating design. Its ability to “walk” down stairs and the hypnotic motion of the coils appealed to children and adults alike. The Slinky’s low cost and durability also contributed to its widespread popularity, making it an accessible and long-lasting toy option for many households.

5. Teddy Bear

   • Country of origin: United States and Germany (independently developed around the same time)
   • Made for: Both boys and girls
   • Popularity: Teddy bears first appeared in the early 1900s and quickly gained popularity due to their cuddly, comforting, and lifelike design. The name “Teddy” was inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt, who famously spared a bear’s life during a hunting trip. Teddy bears have since become a symbol of love, friendship, and comfort, making them a cherished toy for children worldwide.