The set contains 3 wooden nesting cones (with a hole in the bottom of the largest one for the smallest ball to fit through), 3 solid wool balls (with the exception of the small ball containing a jingle bell), 3 organic maple hardwood rings suitable for teething, and 3 hand-dyed silk ribbons.
The cones measure 7 ½ inches, 4 ½ inches, and 3 inches. The wool balls measure approximately 3 inches, 2 ¼ inches, and 1 ½ inches in diameter. The woods rings all measure 3 inches in diameter.
In infancy, it can be…
- An engaging subject for visual tracking and orienting
- Teething rings
- Something fun to reach for
- A grasp and release activity
- A rattle (the smallest ball)
- Objects to bang together
- Nursery décor
As your little one becomes a toddler, it can become…
- A container toy (small ball through hole in large cone)
- A stacking toy
- A nesting toy
- A soft and safe ball to: roll, throw, kick, and catch
In early childhood, use the objects for…
- Counting
- Sorting by type of object
- Color identification
- Pattern recognition (e.g. cone, ball, ring)
- Hide and go seek
- “magic tricks” - ball under cone
- Ring toss
- Streamers to twirl
- Dramatic/imaginary play (e.g. ice cream cone or fall tree house for forest
animals)
In middle childhood, use the pieces for more sophisticated, organized play, such as:
- Ice cream cone catch (catch ball in cone; use different combinations to grade level of
challenge)
- Use cones as race markers. Try different types of races such as:
Forward, backward
3-legged
Galloping, hopping, and skipping
Frog jumps, crab walks, and other animal walks
Wheelbarrow walks
- Use cones and large ball for bowling
- Play independent style “bocce ball” by throwing all three balls at the target ring and see
which ball is closest. This will increase body awareness and will naturally teach
children to grade their force..
- Expand working memory by playing memory games
- View several pieces and try to remember which ones you saw
- Visual-sequential memory - (for two players) one person presents a sequence of objects.
The other person studies the sequence for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, the objects are
returned to the pile of possible objects. The “viewer” must then place the viewed objects
in the sequence in which he or she viewed them. Roles switch back and forth between
players. This expands visual-perceptual skills and helps kids recognize order and
sequence.
- Stereognosis game - kids learn to recognize objects using only their sense of touch. To
play, place all objects into a bag or pillowcase. One player calls out an object and the
player tries to find it by reaching into the bag without looking. Or, play independently and
see if you can guess what you are touching.
Let this set present your little one with new possibilities for play as he or she grows.
Ribbons are not recommended for play use in children under 3 years or those at risk for wrapping it around themselves. Cones are not intended to be mouthed. As with all toys, children should be supervised during play.
Copyright 2011
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
