Getting to know our team: MEET ZITA!

GETTING TO KNOW OUR TEAM: 

MEET ZITA!

How many children do you have and how old are they?

I have two children, and they are the light of my life! 

My son, Sammie, is a very busy 3.5 year old boy who has Autism Spectrum. He is very busy and active, and he love to try out new things. Because he does not speak, he uses his body to communicate and relies very heavily on those around him to pick up on his cues. He socializes differently from other kids, and often needs additional encouragement from caregivers before jumping into social situations. He learns best through direct, face to face activities, but also loves to learn on his own and solve problems like puzzles and logic games. 

My daughter, Charlie, is an extremely outgoing and charming 9 month old baby. She loves people, thrives on social activities and took to language very early. She learns best when she is shown how to play with an object, and then given the opportunity to try things out for herself. She loves watching her older brother play and trying out new things. When she is happy or proud of herself, she also loves to clap or give out a big "HUZZAH!" (which was her third word). 

My two children, and their vastly different learning styles, are what inspired me to join Discovery Toys and begin this blog. 

What is your professional background?

While my chosen field is in business, I have always been very drawn to working with children. As a teen, I taught both figure skating and gymnastics to toddlers and preschoolers. During my university years, I worked as a Youth Worker for our City's Park and Recreation department, facilitating play and learning opportunities for kids of all ages.  I also spent many years working in a daycare setting, focusing both on early years and on out-of-school care. Now, as the parent of a child with special needs, I spend a great deal of time researching and discovering ways to integrate learning opportunities into our every day living.  I am an active volunteer in many organizations dedicated to the betterment of children in our area. 

What is your personal PLAY philosophy?

Play is learning made fun! 

It is not an activity that should be limited to an age or even to a specific set of rules.  It is my firm belief that play should be a lifelong focus, and that adults could learn a lot from watching how their kids discover the world.  This is why I place a strong emphasis on face-to-face learning situations; not only are these health for your child, but they are healthy for you!

Why did you choose Discovery Toys?

As a child, I remember the Discovery Toys line as being among my very favourite toys. Now, as an adult, I better understand why. Discovery Toys are of an exceptional quality, are highly durable and come with a lifelong warranty! Moreover, they are selected and designed by experts who clearly understand what children need and want. I also love that Discovery Toys has made a strong commitment to supporting children with disabilities by including a classification system to help parents identify toys that can help their children learn in ways that work for them.

What is your favourite toy and why? 

While there are many favourites to choose from, I would be inclined to say that my very favourite is the "Super Yummy", the Discovery Toys infant teether. This soft, sensory oral toy has provided both my children with hours of soothing entertainment. It is completely washable, and amazingly durable. In fact, mine is almost four years old and doesn't even have a mark on it!

This toy also works wonders for my sensory-seeking preschooler who likes to chew on just about everything in sight! ;)

What is the one piece of advice you have for parents who are working on developing new skills in their children? 

This one is easy for me: Get On The Floor!!!

Get down on the ground level with your child so that they can more easily see your face and watch your body cues. Getting down beside them shows that you are actively engaged in what they are going and that you are excited to learn with them. :)