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With level 4b, we change the shape of the “bead”. Instead of rings, we now use a 3D cube. This allows the child to refine their grip and further improve hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
Primary Goals
- Refine palmar grasp.
- Develop fine motor skills.
- Develop hand-eye coordination.
Secondary Goals
- Develop focus and concentration.
Approximate age
12 months
Materials
We have a few options here.
- For a dedicated material, you can this cube stacker.
- Use the cubes from level 5b with the base from level 3.
- DIY it! Grab a set of wooden blocks and drill a 1/3-inch hole in it to fit a previous base. I really like those blocks because 1) they are already painted and therefore more interesting to the child, and 2) you will continue to use them in future activities, such as stacking or counting (though the ones you drill holes into will be less useful.)
Presentation
- Place the cubes in a basket next to the stand on a tray.
- Bring the tray to your child’s work area.
- Wait until your child is looking.
- Pick up a cube using your whole hand.
- Rotate the cube so the hole is at the top
- Carefully place the cube on the dowel.
- Repeat with the remaining cubes.
- One at a time, remove the cubes from the dowel.
- Offer the child a turn and move aside.
- When the child is done, have them help put the cubes back in the basket and put them on the tray.
- Return the tray to the shelf.
Easier variations
This is the first threading activity with 3D shapes. If your child is having trouble orienting the cubes, give them only that part. Around 11-12 months old, we expect children to stack two blocks. It’s a slightly different skill because stacking involves balance, but it will give them more experience with manipulating the cubes.
Extensions
N/A, go to level 5b.
