Big Waffle® Blocks

Product Description

Physical 3

Skills

• Motor planning skills are used to figure out how to hold and place each block and connect it to another block.
• Gross motor skills are strengthened as children move their bodies to build structures.
• The large size of the blocks encourages reaching and stretching of the arms and legs. 

Play Ideas

• Line the blocks up in a row and then count how many steps or jumps it takes to get to the end.
• Play a target toss game by laying individual blocks in a row on the ground. Children can then use their own beanbags or stuffed animals to toss them onto each block. Use the blocks that have one large opening to help give children a target to aim for. Children who use wheelchairs—as long as a caregiver or playmate can retrieve the beanbags for continued play—can do this activity.
• Use the blocks to create a goal. Then, use your own ball to practice aiming and kicking the ball into the goal. This works on foot-eye coordination.

Adaptation Ideas

• Make a wide play structure to allow a child who uses braces to walk through.
• Sit or kneel on the floor and physically assist the child.      

Cognitive 3

Skills

• Counting and beginning math skills can be targeted as children build and count the number of prongs on each side of the blocks, the square openings, the number of blocks, etc.
• Memory and recall skills are aided by the repetition of connecting the blocks together. Children must remember and recall what sides connect together to build a solid structure.
• Children use problem-solving skills as they connect the pieces. 

Play Ideas

• Children can sequence colors like red, blue, red, blue. This assists in the development of logic and prediction, pre-math skills.
• Create square blocks and then place them in a row. Have children take turns throwing a ball or stuffed animal into each square block.
• Have the children sort and group all the colors. Then they can build structures using only one color for each structure. 

Adaptation Ideas

• Take several photographs of simple structures for children to use as a visual example to follow and build.
• The blocks can be used to create a large, separate area that a child can go in to calm himself if he becomes overstimulated in his environment.

Social/Emotional 4

Skills

• Receptive and expressive language skills are practiced as children work together to build and play with the blocks.
• The blocks can encourage the development of pretend play skills. This helps children think creatively and learn how to solve problems.
• Parallel and cooperative play, as well as social interaction, can all be a part of play with these blocks.

Play Ideas

• Build a drive-through window and engage in imaginative conversations such as placing food orders at a restaurant.
• Build a structure to use as a puppet theater and have the child put on a puppet show.
• Pretend play encourages language in children. Reinforce communication by talking about everything you and the child are doing.