Dance mats are a relatively new educational toy for children. Depending on the models, they may have different functions and be mobile or stationary. About what today there are rugs and what to look for when choosing them, we will tell in this article.
What is a musical dance mat?
This type of developing game is a special dance floor mat or panel that connects to a computer, TV or entertainment console. Rugs for the youngest children can not join other devices and work autonomously. On the rug are painted different images, on which the child must step in accordance with light signals or prompts on the screen.
Games with dance floor mats contribute to:
- development of coordination and sense of rhythm;
- improvement of attention;
- development of thinking;
- strengthening the muscles of the legs, arms and back;
- development of creative abilities of the child.
Play on the dance floor mats, children can, starting with three years.
Types of dance mats for children
By the number of players involved
A dance floor mat can be designed for one child or for two. In the second case, children are much more interesting, since they can organize competitions together with friends.
For additional functions
Ordinary dance floor mats do not assume additional functions. The child on them simply dances, tracing movements on the screen.
There are dance mats with a flash card. Such models assume not only games under the standard set of melodies, but also the ability to record favorite songs. Memory cards usually come complete with rugs.
A dance mat with a microphone is perfect for artistic children who like to sing. In addition to the dance functions, this model assumes karaoke.
Dance mats can work on batteries and from the network. Mats with batteries are more convenient because of their mobility, but if you do not plan to play outside the house, you can buy a rug that works from the network. Typically, such models are equipped with the function of automatic shutdown, if the child has stopped playing.
How to choose a suitable dance mat?
The first thing you should pay attention to is the underside of the rug. It should be made of non-slip material or have special Velcro on the corners, which will allow the rug to stay in place.
The same non-slip should be the front of the rug, otherwise the child will not be able to play and will often fall. The rug should be painted with non-toxic paints. If it has an unpleasant smell, it is not worth taking such a toy. You can pay attention to the weight of the rug. The one that can last a long time, weighs not less than one kilogram. The lighter - quickly go out of service.
Additional "pluses" in the form of LED stripes on the rug can also be bypassed. Benefits of the child from them there is no. The lights that flicker in time with the music will distract his attention.
To determine which dance mat is best, you need to build on the child's age. If the dance mat
How to use a dance floor mat?
Before you start the game itself, you should connect the rug to your computer or TV via the USB port. Next, adults have to adjust the mat and install the program on the PC. This is done once, in accordance with the instructions for the dance mat.
The simpler versions of the rugs on batteries do not involve connecting to a computer. The set of tunes in them is often limited, and the child has to dance, stepping on the pictures glowing in the rhythm of the melody.