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By providing multiple 3D shapes, level 5b extends the already mastered cube activity in level 4b. The different shapes provide further refinement of a child’s grip and we begin sorting by shape.
Primary Goals
- Develop visual discrimination, specifically in shapes and colors.
- Refine palmar grasp.
- 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
The best version I’ve seen is colored solids on dowels. Something to be mindful of is each of the 3D shapes in that toy is different colors, so it won’t be clear whether your child is sorting by color or shape. That’s okay for now because both develop visual discrimination, but you’ll want to make sure there are many other opportunities to work on each individually.
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 shapes after a while, change the setup and start with the completed version.
- Option 1: Place the 3D objects on the base of the stand on a tray.
- Option 2: Place 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 objects back on the stand and put them on the tray.
- Return the tray to the shelf.
Easier variations
N/A
Extensions
By using the stand from level 5a, you can force sorting by color so each shape goes on the corresponding colored peg. Once your child has a good grasp on grouping by color or shapes, you can begin to teach the names when they put the object on the peg.
