Wigglefants Wooden Stacking Game

An elephant stacking game with pattern cards.

 In the box: 10 wooden blocks, 5 2-sided pattern cards

 

Wigglefants Wooden Stacking Game is a wooden stacking game by HABA. The wooden blocks are shaped like elephants (they call them wigglefants), and they have ridges on them in several places that help reduce slipping and sliding.

 

You can see from the image (above) that the pieces are large and so are the pattern cards. The blocks measure L 3" x W 1" x H 2.5". Each pattern card has a pattern on the front and on the back, so 10 patterns in all. You can rank the patterns in order of difficulty, but they are not marked in any way. Some of the patterns have fewer pieces, but have pieces stacked in a variety of orientations, so not necessarily easier.

 

Try this:

• Cover pieces above where you are working if the individual wants to start at the top and build down.
• Give the individual one piece at a time if he does not know where or how to start and/or proceed.
• Call the piece by color instead of giving it to the individual for building order.
• Place a piece for the individual if he cannot figure out what to do, such as with the pattern on the right with the multiple orientations. Then remove the piece and hand it to the individual to place.
• Stack the blocks flat for a game requiring less precision.
• Hold the card upright while the individual builds if he tries to build the model flat against the table.
• Build the models flat that can be built flat against the table (for instance the model on the left above) for those who cannot balance the model upright.
  Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, eye-hand coordination, spatial relations/position in space, figure ground, coordinated use of both hands, manual dexterity, graded grasp and release, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
  

If you are interested in purchasing this game or just want more information, click on the image below.

Squirrel Popper

Squirrel Popper

Squirrel Popper is a fun way to get in some target practice with a fall theme - a squirrel gathering nuts. The squirrel comes with 6 "acorns" that you will launch toward any target you want to set up.

 

To start, set up targets around the room that you want to launch acorns at. Then, place one of the acorn balls in the squirrel's mouth and push it in. The squirrel is made of stiff plastic and it will take some hand strength to push the ball into the mouth and then to squeeze it back out. Now aim toward your target and squeeze the squirrel's stomach to launch the ball. This will take both hands for most people. Balls can travel up to 20 feet, depending on how hard you squeeze and how far you pushed the ball into the squirrel. Not an activity for those with very weak hands. There are lots of different animals to choose from and the balls from one set will fit the others with the exception of the small seasonal sets that are sold in stores like Target. Kids have loved these.

To see a list of fall-themed games, click here.

Try this:

• Measure the distance you can pop the ball.  Go again and see if you can beat your distance.
• Make a large round target and tape it to the door. Divide the circle into several sections (like a bullseye) and assign points to the sections. Aim for the middle, and give points for wherever the ball hits. Play again and try to beat your score by getting closer and closer to the middle on most balls.
• Set up small targets and see if you can knock them over.
• Take the popper outside and aim for targets where you won't accidentally hit and break something (keep away from dogs or animals who might chew and/or swallow them).
• Set up targets on a level plane at equal distances, then a variety of elevated planes at equal distances, then at different distances.
• Set up buckets at different distances and aim to get them into the buckets.
• Hang (or hold up) a hula hoop and see how far back you can stand and still pop them through the hoop.
• Set up empty pop cans on the picnic table or ledge and see how many you can knock over.
• Make a game out of picking up the balls that fly astray (there will probably be lots) to make it seem less like work and more like fun. For instance give a point for each ball collected.
• Work on spatial relations/position in space, hand and finger strength, eye-hand coordination, coordinated use of two hands, manual dexterity, play exploration and participation 
   
  

If you are interested in purchasing a popper/extra balls/target, or just want more information, click on one of the images below to go to Amazon.com.