NogginStik

Product Description

Cognitive 5

Skills

• The concept of cause and effect action can be explored using both the sound and the changing colors of the rattle. Cause and effect relationships help children understand that they have control in their environment.
• Early problem solving skills develop as children determine what to do when they want to change the color in the rattle.
• Exploring the rattle – the bumps on the neck and the smooth round end helps children begin to use their fingers cooperatively and refine movements that develop the skills for daily living tasks such as using a pincer grasp to zip a zipper, hold a toothbrush or use utensils.
• Memory skills can be incorporated into play using the consistent series of color change: green then red then blue. Have the child identify what color the NogginStik will change to next based on the color it currently is.

Play Ideas

• Slowly move the toy back and forth in front of the child to help him follow with his eyes. This activity strengthens eye muscles and helps the child use his eyes together for visual tracking and attention.
• Caregivers may use the mirror on the bottom of the rattle to show the child his face and take it away similar to playing peek-a-boo. This helps to promote the development of object permanence.
• Hide the NogginStik under a tissue or lightweight cloth. The glow of the light can help a child begin the process of learning and understanding object permanence.

Sensory 4

Skills

• There are three different colors to incorporate color identification and recognition.
• When young children mouth the rattle they are using oral-motor exploration.
• Children use visual attention and acuity as they watch the colors change on the rattle.
• Sound localization is incorporated into play when a caregiver shakes the rattle from another location and the child turns to find where the sound came from.

Play Ideas

• A caregiver can shake the rattle behind, in front of, or near the child to have him use his sense of hearing to locate the sounds and find the rattle.
• A caregiver can use the rattle to make a beat and the child can imitate the sound by mimicking the beat and vice versa.
• Use the NogginStik in a darkened room to enhance the visual attraction.

Adaptation Ideas

• Add a foam noodle, such as pipe insulation or foam hair curler to the middle of the rattle for a larger grip area and a new texture. Note: Direct adult supervision is required at all times when using this idea.
• If the color changing function is distracting for a child, take the battery out.

Physical 4

Skills

• Eye-hand coordination can be enhanced as children pick up the rattle.
• The NogginStik has multiple places to grasp with a whole hand. Whole hand grasping can help children open and relax tight fists.
• Grasp and release is practiced as children play with the NogginStik.
• Small muscles in the hands and arms can be used and strengthened as children pick up, carry and play with the rattle. These muscles are needed for daily life skills like brushing teeth, feeding oneself, tying shoes, etc.
• Hand transferring can take place when a child passes the rattle from one hand to another or to another person crossing his midline which assists in the development of forming a dominant side.

Play Ideas

• Children can look at the NogginStik while on their tummies to keep them focused.
• A caregiver and child can pass the rattle back and forth to help increase awareness of hands and grasp.

Adaptation Ideas

• Caregivers can use hand-over-hand assistance to help the child shake the rattle.