Elemenosqueeze

Product Description

Sensory 4

Skills

• Squeaking the blocks helps children learn about cause and effect actions and how they can control their environment.
• Children use visual attention and acuity as they attempt to balance the blocks on top of each other.
• Sound localization using the squeaking of the blocks can be a part of play.

Play Ideas

• The blocks can be used to squirt water in the bathtub or in a water table.
• Have children take turns hiding in the classroom or around the house while holding a block.  Once hidden the child can squeeze the block in their hand and the other children can use the auditory hint to help them find the hidden child.
• For children who are visually impaired, fill a storage bin with water and place it on the ground. Have the child stand right in front of the bin and then take a couple steps backwards. Have the child toss the blocks into the water. He will hear a splash if he makes it in. Give the child verbal guidance if needed, such as “Aim a little to the left,” or “Throw it a little harder.”

Adaptation Ideas

• Play with these blocks on a light or dark solid color surface. This will help the blocks stand out.

Physical 4

Skills

• Children use eye-hand coordination as they place blocks on top of one another so they won’t tumble.
• Hand strength can be encouraged by having children squeeze the blocks to make them squeak.
• Midline skills are used as the child holds a block in one hand and places a block from the other hand on top.

Play Ideas

• Begin building a structure on a table slightly to the left or right of center for a child. Have him continue to build. By having the structure off-center, the child is encouraged to reach across his body, crossing midline to build.
• Create a bowling game. Stack the blocks up, and then roll your own ball to knock them down. This helps incorporate eye-hand coordination as well as grasp and release into play.
• The blocks are soft enough to be used for a game of catch (which strengthens balance, precision and cooperative hand movements as well as provides opportunity to practice turn taking).

Adaptation Ideas

• Place the set of blocks on the weaker side of a child to encourage him to use that weaker side to grasp each block and bring it into play.
• Place the set of blocks in the lid of a shirt box or a cookie sheet with a lip to help contain play and maintain position.
• Limit the number of blocks presented to a child at one time. Gradually increase that number as ability and frustration levels permit.

Cognitive 4

Skills

• The blocks have a zip-close storage bag. The blocks nestle in the bag like a puzzle. When children put the blocks away, they are working on organization and problem solving skills.
• As children recreate what they see with these blocks, they are gaining experience and beginning to hone abstract thinking skills.
• Children can gain an understanding of spatial relationships when placing the blocks on the floor, under the table, next to a toy, behind the chair, etc.

Play Ideas

• Hide the blocks in a room and have the children search and find them.
• Jumble the blocks up and have the children place them in alphabetical order.
• Create a bowling game. Stack the blocks up, and then roll your own ball to knock them down. This helps incorporate eye-hand coordination as well as grasp and release into play.

Adaptation Ideas

• Limit the number of blocks presented to a child at one time. Gradually increase that number as ability and frustration levels permit.
• Place the blocks in the lid of a shirt box to help contain play and provide an area of focus.