Melissa & Doug Stretch and Match Geoboard

Stretch and Match Geoboard

Stretch and Match is a heavy-duty geoboard, larger than the average one used in many math classes. The goal is to stretch the rubber bands around the different shapes on the pictures, staying on the dotted lines. If you look at the picture above, you can see that some of the lines are dotted and some are dashed. 

The board has a wooden border and the cards go in and out through an opening in the top. They are also stored there when not in use.

The rubber bands are thicker than regular rubber bands, more like pony tail bands, and there are only two different sizes. It does not have any kind of storage box so you will have to figure out how to keep the bands with the board. I ended up buying it twice because I lost the bands!

The cards have kid-friendly pictures and the colors are bright. The cards are not graded for difficulty, but there are several levels that you can pick out yourself. Some of the cards have basic, clear-cut geometric shapes, like the house below. Some of the cards are more difficult because the shapes are rounded, like the octopus below. Then other shapes are more difficult because the shapes, and rubber bands, overlap and may be harder to see for some. Pictures include fireworks, frog, campfire, fire truck, train, spider, fish, pyramids, sailboat, treasure chest on beach, and playground. A dry-erase picture card is included to let kids create their own pictures. 

Try this:

• Start with the pictures that have basic geometric shapes, like the house on the example. Then move to the pictures like the octopus which are a little harder because the shapes are rounded, and then pictures where shapes are rounded and bands overlap.
• Place a band for the individual if he is having trouble. Have him watch, then take it off and let him try.
• Let the individual put the cards in and take them out through the slit at the top.
• Allow the individual to choose the correct size of band for each shape. 
• Choose the image for the individual so that he does not jump ahead to something more difficult than he is ready for, or give him several choices from one level to choose from.
• Work on pincer grasp, finger strength, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, coordinated use of both hands, visual discrimination, figure ground, spatial relations, visual closure, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: Wooden frame with a clear peg board, 8 double-sided picture cards, 32 multi-colored bands
 
If you would like to purchase this item or just find out more information, click on the image below to be taken to Amazon.com.