One Two Squeeze Soft 123 Blocks

Product Description

Sensory 4

Skills

• When young children mouth the blocks they are using oral motor exploration.
• 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.

Physical 4

Skills

• Hand transferring can take place when children hold one block in one hand and transfer it to another.
• Eye-hand coordination is used to pick up and stack the blocks.
• Whole hand grasping is aided by the softness of the blocks. The blocks slightly form to a child’s hand.

Play Ideas

• To incorporate gross motor play, toss blocks into a laundry basket or box. Using a large basket gives a child a larger target to aim for and promotes greater success.
• 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).
• Use a tall plastic container or a Pringles can to stack the blocks.

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

• This open-ended activity encourages children to use their imaginations when building different structures.
• Number order can be incorporated into play by using the embossed numbers on each block.
• 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

• Children can take turns selecting a block and finding objects in the room that match the color of the block.
• Try to stack all the blocks to make one tower. Count out loud as each block is placed.
• Place several blocks in a row in front of the child. Have him look at the blocks and then close his eyes. Switch the positions of two blocks. Have the child look and determine which two blocks were switched.

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.