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
Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green (3-piece version);
Shapes: Square, Triangle, Circle
Counting: 1-3
Activities for Over 18 Months:
In & Out concept
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
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