Monkey Blocks

Monkey Blocks - Includes 30 challenges, weighted blocks and funky monkeys.

When was the last time you had a barrel of fun? If it's been awhile, today is your lucky day. Monkey Blocks provides 30 challenges to create gravity defying structures topped with silly monkeys. What's the secret? Weighted blocks.

Build the 3D structures from the 2D models in the book using three different types of blocks. They all look the same except for the color, but they are different inside. The yellow blocks are weighted on one end and the green blocks are weighted in the middle. The blue blocks are not weighted. The individual must figure out where the weight goes before he places each block or he may topple the structure and have to start over. Some puzzles may require that you place 2 blocks simultaneously (one in each hand) to keep the structure balanced. The monkeys are each doing something different, and the pattern is specific as to which monkey to place where. 

Try this:

• Play with the blocks before you start the pattern book so that the individual can get a feel of the weighted pieces and how they respond when stacked this way or that.
• Build a structure while the player looks on. Talk out loud as you problem solve and plan how to build. Verbally go through your reasoning so they can learn the process.
• Practice placing two blocks at the same time. Place one block horizontal on the table, then with a block in each hand, simultaneously stack/balance 2 blocks horizontally and then 2 blocks vertically.  That way the child can practice without the disappointment of toppling the whole structure.
• Take the structures apart, one piece at a time, without toppling.
• Cover all but the pieces that the individual will add each step (plus the pieces already built), if they have trouble reading the picture or knowing where to start or how to proceed.
• Imitate the monkeys and make funny monkey sounds after successfully completing a structure.
• Peel and eat a banana or eat crunchy banana chips.
• Open the book and build one of the structures, without letting the individual see where you are looking in the book. Ask the individual to look at the structures in the book and choose the one that looks just like yours.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, spatial relations, 2D to 3D construction, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, problem solving, executive functioning skills, planning, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 12 blocks, 6 monkeys, 30 puzzles

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

Snowballs

Indoor Snowballs

Want to have a snowball fight but don't like the cold or don't have snow? There's now a solution! Who knew there was such a thing as indoor snowballs!? These snowballs are plush but don't shed, lightweight but not flimsy. I have used these in the house and also have taken them outside on many a dry day and used them to have an old-fashioned snowball fight in the backyard. Make up and practice different throws: sneak attack, lob shot, underhand, overhand, rapid fire. A fun way to get kids moving.

Try this:

• Play cold snowball (like hot potato). Set a timer for a short amount of time and toss the snowball back and forth. When the timer goes off, whoever has the snowball has to perform a task, such as pretend to build a snowman, pretend to ice skate around the room (try twirls or figure eights), run back and forth and pretend to catch snowflakes on the tongue or stand on a wobble board and pretend to snowboard.
• Play a simple game of catch. When someone catches the snowball, they take one step backward. When someone misses the snowball, they take one step forward. See how far apart you can get and still catch the ball.
• Set up a plush toy(s) or plush snowman and see how many tries it takes to knock it over. 
• Set up containers or paper bags around the room and see how many the individual can land in the containers.
• Rate your throws: Bad aim, lucky shot, on the mark, too high, too low, too far to the left, too far to the right. Then try again with the new information.
• Stand on a wobble board to pretend you are skiing or snowboarding while playing catch and/or throwing at a target. Always supervise for safety.
• Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with two hands (not against the body).
• Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with the same hand. Throw higher and higher as you get better and better.
• Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with the opposite hand.
• Work on eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, palmar arch development, coordinated use of both hands, spatial relations/position in space, motor planning, shoulder stability, balance, socialization skills, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the bag: 25 plush snowballs

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