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Level 5a adds a new dimension to the already mastered “put disc on vertical dowel” activity in level 3. Now, there are 3 colored dowels as well as 3 different colored discs. This activity then becomes a way to introduce sorting by color.
Primary Goals
- Develop visual discrimination, specifically in color.
- Develop fine motor skills.
- Develop hand-eye coordination.
Secondary Goals
- Increase focus and concentration.
- [Math] Introduce understanding size, shape, and patterns.
Approximate age
15 months
Materials
Wooden colored discs on colored dowels
Presentation
When presented with this activity, the child should already be familiar with the single peg variation. Instead of showing them step by step as in previous levels, let them explore and problem-solve. If they do not realize to match the colors after a while, change the setup and start with the completed version.
- Option 1: Place the colored discs in a basket next to the stand on the tray.
- Option 2: Place an empty basket next to the completed puzzle on the tray.
- Bring the tray to your child’s work area.
- Present them with the activity and move aside.
- When the child is done, have them help put the discs back in the basket and put them on the tray.
- Return the tray to the shelf.
Easier variations
A child is just starting to understand different colors (without names). Conceptually, they won’t understand what color is until around 18 months, but they can group and sort by color before then. Help cultivate this awareness with color-themed treasure baskets and books like Edible Colors: See, Learn, Eat, or My First Colors. Note: both of these books include the names of the colors, but they also put several photographs of real objects on the same page. This allows the child to notice the differences. I skip the name of the color unless asked.
Extensions
Once your child has a good understanding of colors and can easily group them, introduce the name. You can then play a game by saying a color and on/off and having them perform the action. If your child knows these words, you have them tell you what to do.
