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This toy is a shape sorter inside a tool box. A center panel with the shape cut outs is hinged to move from one side of the tool box to the other to make the gathering of the shapes more accessible and easy. The sorter has five differently colored shapes and a large plastic hammer. Children can hammer the shapes into the sorter. Lights then flash and sounds activate with each shape. Pieces all fit inside the tool box and can be carried easily by the handle.
Approx. Price: 21.00-40.00 Box Age Range: 0+ yr # of Pieces: 6-10 Washability: Surface Wipe Storability: Easy Directions: Simple Play Locations: Indoor and Outdoor Adjustability: Position Levels of Play: One Level Batteries: Yes – Included
Can Be Used Independently or w/Others
Portable
Hands-on Approach to Learning
Easy to Grasp/Hold
Familiar Objects/Pictures
Incorporates Fundamental Learning Skills
Upright Position for Play
Self-Correcting
Simple
Self-Contained
Different Shapes and/or Colors
Lightweight
Durable
High Contrasting Colors
Auditorily Stimulating
Tactilely Stimulating
Visually Stimulating
Wide Age Range
Easy to Store
Easy to Clean
Large Target Area
Developmental processes promoted
Precision
Two-Handed Play – Midline Focus and Transferring
Problem Solving
Coordinated Movement
Reaching/Arm Extension
Patience
Eye-Hand Coordination
Hand and Finger Grasp
Fine Motor
Action Concepts e.g. In/Out, Push/Pull, On/Off, Go/Stop
The Discover Sounds Tool Box is made of hard plastic. The shapes are all uniform in texture.
This toy is visually and auditorily stimulating.
There is no set time limit. Children can take the time necessary to process the information and play at their own pace.
The play with this toy does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.
The toy’s self-storing feature promotes children’s abilities to organized materials before and after use. This will allow a child with visual impairments to have objects readily available and in a known location.
Skills
Shape recognition and identification can take place through touch.
Eye-hand coordination is used to place the shapes in the holes as well as hammer the shapes down through those holes.
Counting skills are targeted as children count the five pieces when placing them in or taking them out of the box.
Play Ideas
Identify the shapes by touch.
Play a guessing game. Have the child reach in a bag and guess what shape they grabbed before they take it out and look at it.
Adaptation Ideas
Take the batteries out of the unit for children who find the flashing lights and whimsical sounds to be over-stimulating.
Outline each shape hole with a thick black line to help a child who has a visual impairment better see the parameters of the holes.
For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of shapes you present. Gradually increase the number as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit.
This toolbox opens up to reveal a shape sorter with five plastic shapes and a hammer.
Shapes are made of hard plastic and are uniform in texture.
Each shape has an embossed number on it.
Sorter panel is in the middle of the tool box and is hinged to flip from one side to the other.
The shapes can be pre-placed in the holes so a child just needs to hammer or push it in.
The toy’s compact size helps keep shapes within easy reach.
The pace of play is adjustable, allowing time for visual processing and motor planning.
The play with this toy does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.
The Discover Sounds Tool Box is a good size to play on the floor, tabletop or wheelchair tray.
Skills
Eye-hand coordination is used to place the shapes in the holes as well as hammer the shapes down through those holes.
Bilateral coordination is used as children hold and place the shape with one hand and hammer with the other.
Whole hand grasp is used to hold the shapes.
Hand transferring can take place as a child plays with one shape.
Wrist rotation is used as children position the shapes into the holes.
Play Ideas
Have the child hold a shape in each hand and bang them together. This works on hand grasp as well as playing at midline.
Place the shapes on one side of the child and have him reach over to retrieve them for play. Crossing midline can be targeted.
Adaptation Ideas
Use the shapes without the hammer.
For children who have difficulty with the precision needed to place shapes into specific holes, have them use the open side of the tool box for simple in/out play.
For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of shapes you present. Gradually increase the number as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit.
The unit makes whimsical sounds when a shape is hammered in. This provides positive reinforcement for a child’s actions and motivation for continued play.
The tool box provides a defined play space for children to focus on.
The play with this toy does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.
Skills
Shape recognition and identification can take place during play.
Color recognition and identification can take place during play.
Turn taking can be incorporated as children play together using this toy.
Counting skills are targeted as children count the five pieces when placing them in or taking them out of the box.
Children gain problem solving skills as they attempt to place the objects into the box and then figure out how to retrieve them.
Play Ideas
Verbally state the name of the color or shape when placing it into the sorter to help teach that to a child. Note: Focus on teaching one or the other, but not both at the same time. Children may be confused if they are learning colors and shapes simultaneously.
Verbally ask a child for a specific shape or color. This works on receptive language skills.
Place the shapes in a bag and have the child reach in and guess what shape he has grabbed.
Adaptation Ideas
Place the shapes out of reach of a child so he needs to communicate with you what he wants.
For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of shapes you present. Gradually increase the number as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit.
Children place the shapes into the matching shape in the sorter and hammer it in using the hammer.
Each shape has an embossed number on it.
Each shape is a different color.
The unit makes whimsical sounds when a shape is hammered in. This provides positive reinforcement for a child’s actions and motivation for continued play.
The tool box provides a defined play space for children to focus on.
A row of lights (red, green and blue) flashes briefly when a shape is hammered in.
The toy’s self-storing feature promotes children’s abilities to organize materials before and after use.
The play with this toy does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.
Skills
Matching shapes is worked on when playing with this toy.
Counting the shapes can be incorporated with the Discover Sounds Tool Box. Each shape has an embossed number on it. Number order can also be targeted as a child places the shapes in order.
Color recognition and identification can be targeted during play.
Eye-hand coordination is used as children place shapes in the correct holes. Children who have cognitive delays often also have delays in motor development.
Cause and effect relationships are built as children place a shape in and hear/see a response.
Play Ideas
Take turns identifying or finding shapes and colors while playing.
Place the shapes in a row in front of the child. Have him look at the shapes and then close his eyes. Take one away. Have the child open his eyes and determine which shape is missing. This works on memory and recall skills.
Trace the shapes onto a mat to color, and then use to more effectively link numerals and quantities.
Adaptation Ideas
When beginning, start by giving the child the circle shape. Because this shape has no corners, it fits in the hole however a child places it in (shape must be upright to fit in the hole).
For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of shapes you present. Gradually increase the number as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit.
Using your hand or a cloth, cover all the holes except the one the child is trying to find.
