Simple and Advanced Shape Sorter

Recommended for: 6 months & Up
Cost: around $20

Shape sorters are great tools to use with young learners and older learners. They offer children the chance to learn cause-and-effect principles and help build cognitive skills.

The simple 3-piece version is great if your child struggles with fine motor issues and also helps with identifying primary colors, 3 shapes (square, triangle and circle) and simple counting. The more advanced toy also helps those with fine motor issues because the child can grasp the item and hold it while trying to place in correct shape slot. I know the sounds it makes when you take them out is fun for little ones as well.

The 5-piece sorter offers more advanced counting (1-5), shapes (adding star and heart) and 5 colors. Many children may need hand-over-hand assistance to make the shapes fit so language that is simple is best: "Make it fit". I've also found it helpful to block off the incorrect slots with your hands so that the choice is easier and they do not get frustrated that the shape does not go in the correct tube.

Early Learning Activities (6-18 months):
In & Out concept: Shape IN, Shape OUT
Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green (3-piece version);
Shapes: Square, Triangle, Circle
Counting: 1-3

Activities for Over 18 Months:
In & Out concept: Shapes In, Shapes Out
Colors:Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange and Purple (5-piece)
Shapes: Square, Triangle, Circle, Star, Heart
Counting: 1-5
Open-ended: Where does the Square go? Which shape has the duck on top? Which shape is purple? Can I have the yellow square?

These are a few examples of how to stimulate language and grow cognitive skills with a shape sorter. I love using the various different ones to help my students learn. It's fun and each time you use it, you can use it differently so they don't get bored with the same toys.

Stay tuned for the next review. I will be looking at puzzles and which ones are appropriate for which ages and when to introduce them. Let me know what you think and please answer the pool at the bottom.

Thanks! And until next time, Happy Playing!
~Amy

DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Stacking Rings Toy

Recommended for: 6 Months & Up (per www.Fisher-Price.com website)
Cost: around $10

This is a great toy that has a multitude of uses and can be used for children up through age 4 or 5. I specifically chose this toy because I like that it uses primary colors and gives a lot of language opportunities for children to grow. Provided below is a list of activities that I would recommend to parents or therapists using this tool to help stimulate language or to build cognitive skills. I will also include simple vocabulary for parents to use when using this toy as a therapeutic tool.

Early Learning Activities (6 months-18 months):
On/Off Concept
Color Names: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue
Counting: 1-5

Activities for Children Over 18 Months:
On/Off: Take the orange ring off. Put green ring on.
Colors: Blue goes on first...which one is blue?
Size: Which color is the smallest?
Counting: Let's count the rings? How many do we have?
Following Directions: Can I have the yellow ring?
Open-ended questions: Which ring is different? Why is it different? (Red because it makes sounds); Why can't the red ring go on first? (too small, blue is biggest, etc.)

These are just a few examples of activities to use with a toy that seemingly has only 1 or 2 options. It's amazing how the simplest toy has so many uses and can encourage your child to talk more and make progress towards goals.

Stay tuned for our next review and please let me know what you think! Please also comment on our poll and let me know what you thought of the toy. I'm open to suggestions so if you have anything you want me to review, I'd be happy to include it here.

Thanks! And until next time, Happy Playing!
~Amy

DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

At the beginning...

Welcome!!!!

I am really excited to bring this blog to the attention of many of the parents that I work with. I love working with the Early Intervention population and am often asked about which toys I recommend for their baby, toddler, preschooler that can maximize learning and developmental goals. Play is extremely important for young children as they grow and learn through experience primarily. I have spent my career focusing on children under age three and it's surprising the number of comments I get when I show parents how to use a simply toy 10 different uses.

This blog will lay out 1-2 toys in a week and cover a wide range of ages from Birth to 3 Years Old (and maybe even older). I hope you try each toy and let me know what you think about it and any recommendations for future reviews.

Thanks for taking the time to read my reviews on this blog.

Thanks! And until next time, Happy Playing!
~Amy

DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.