Przyswajanie zawczasu niezbędnych umiejętności, czyli o funkcji socjalizacyjno-przygotowawczej dawnych zabawek dziecięcych

Toys are undoubtedly an important part of childhood. Both in the past and in the present day, these objects accompany children in everyday life. Reflections on the toys have appeared in the ideas of ancient thinkers, who emphasized the importance of the toy in child development. The aim of this study is to present statements and theoretical reflections on children’s toys, particularly in relations to their functions. In the analysed fragments you can indicate a more or less explicit definition of selected toys’  functions, which were supposed to equip children with specific competences based on gender, social position and other criteria. The categories adopted during the analysis of toys’ socialization and preparation functions are: farmer, builder and warrior, lady of the house, housewife, and mother, caretaker and nanny. Based on the interpretations resting on selected source materials, it can be concluded that the socialization function of the toy was, albeit indirectly, known to many philosophers and pedagogues. While initially few thinkers reflected on the role of a toy, and they also did it “timidly”, with time interest in the toys and children’s games is growing. It is part of an increasingly deepened reflection on the child and childhood.