DUPLO First Rocket

Duplo First Rocket - Make 12 patterns from 18 blocks

DUPLO First Rocket is a simple construction set for beginners. Designed for typical kids ages 1 1/2 - 5 years, this is a perfect precursor to LEGOs.

DUPLOs are much larger than LEGOs, easier for small hands to manipulate and are too large to be swallowed. There is a nice variety of shapes for such a small set and there are 12 different models printed on the three pattern cards and on the box. All models are pictured completed, there is no step-by-step guide for assembling.

Some DUPLO sets do show how to assemble models step-by-step, but you will have to read product descriptions to find them. Most don't. Many of the newer sets are at least adding pattern cards to work from (like these).

Try this:

• Start with a few minutes of free play so that the child can get the feel of the pieces and see how they snap together.
• Start slow if the child is new to DUPLOS, choosing the model with the fewest pieces and working your way up to the more complicated ones.
• Cover the printed model with a white card. Pull it up one level at a time to expose the block(s) and sequence for building.
• Give the child a piece at a time if he does not know where to start or how to proceed. Point to the piece on the picture to show where it should go.
• Keep the unused pieces in a pile so the child will have to search for each needed piece. Turn some of the pieces upside down or on their side so the child will have to recognize them from different perspectives.
• Advise the child to hold the model in the same orientation as the one in the picture if they are having trouble orienting a piece.
• Take time for free play at the end.
• Work on spatial relations, manipulation, visual discrimination, figure ground, visual closure, visual motor integration, visual form constancy, bilateral integration, strength, manual dexterity, executive functioning skills, process skills, creative play, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 18 DUPLO pieces, 3 pattern cards
 
If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.

Giant Sight & Sound Tubes

Giant Sight & Sound Tubes

In the tubes: Gems, bells, feathers, balls, soft foam shapes

I actually only have one of these tubes, the first one with the small transparent gems in it. I picked it up second-hand and didn't know where it came from until I saw this image on the Lakeshore Learning website. Here is the link if you would like to check them out. Lakeshore Learning.

The tube measures 16" long. The gems are small, about twice the size of a piece of rice. I have some of the same gems that are loose (not in this tube) that I use in the Treasure Chest activity. The blue caps do not come off. Reading the reviews I see that these are very popular with toddlers, but I don't work with kids that young so typically use them for visually scanning or tracking. Here are some of the ways that I have used this tube:

• Hold the tube with one hand on each end. Tip/twist the tube slowly and follow the gems with your eyes as they roll downward.
• Hold the tube with one hand on each end. Hold the tube still as you start at one end and scan with your eyes across the tube looking for all gems of a certain color. Count them if you want. Then start at the end where you stopped and scan in the opposite direction looking for all the gems of a different color.
• Add stickers that are removable and turn the tube with two hands, scanning for the different objects or characters.
• Hold the tube out so that the arms are not against the body nor propped on a table top for support.
• Holding the tube with one hand, flip it so all the pieces fall to the opposite end.
  
• Work on visual discrimination, visual scanning, visual tracking, manual dexterity, play and leisure exploration and participation