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To maintain its status as a play activity, it is necessary for the activity to remain player-centered, i.e. initiated, paced and stylized by the child.
--Joan Ershler, Waisman Early Childhood Program
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Gross Motor Skills
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Toys that promote gross motor activity are those that involve the large muscles of the body: legs, arms, trunk and neck. This can be further broken down into toys or activities that promote eye-foot coordination: kicking, climbing, jumping, dancing, walking a balance beam or jumping over ropes; eye-hand coordination: climbing, hanging, striking balloons, throwing, catching, using tools, block building, rolling balls, pounding, stirring; body awareness: crawling in and out of things, crawling through and around things, moving like an animal, mirroring activities, playing “Simon Says”, steering wheeled toys; balance: standing on tip toe, walking the balance beam, riding wheeled toys, walking around tire edges or sandbox rails, moving and carrying something without spilling it, walking with bean bag on head or shoulder.
As infants it is important for children to be encouraged to reach for objects, to use the arms and grasp with both of their hands, whenever possible.
Activity games such as Kids on Stage (charades with no reading) available through University Games can be adapted to suit the physical limitations of the children.
There are links for tricycles and more specialized bicycles/tricycles on the links page
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Super-Deluxe 3-D Lights & Music Activity Gym will enchant your baby with a whole world of developmental benefits, right from day one -- and all in one soft and secure environment.The new Gymini features the one-of-a-kind Lights & Music Touch Pad with classical music by Mozart and favorite nursery tunes, delighting baby with accompanying flashing lights -- which baby activates all on her own producing immediate feedback, sparking development of cause and effect learning.
With the new Lights & Music Gymini your baby will never get bored. Whether on his tummy or on his back, your baby will enjoy overhead activities that stimulate the senses and encourage him to lift his head; and on the mat activities for those all important motor skills, for sensory stimulation and for learning about cause and effect. |
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Skwish Classic
The smooth-textured Skwish Classic fascinates babies with its web of brightly colored rods, beads, and balls.
Size: 6" .Age: 0 - 12 months. By Manhattan Toy
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SYMPHONY TOWER - Just drop a ball into the funnel, then watch and listen as the ball maneuvers its way down to the bottom, hitting each sound sensor along the way. Three different sound modes make up to 24 fun sounds….a joyous, jazzy journey for every little party animal. Silly sounds and melodic tunes will keep your child playing for hours. For a musical surprise, try dropping several balls down the funnel at once...it's a delightfully different symphony every time! Volume control also included.
Comes with 3 balls.
Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included)
Ages 9 months and up
BALL PARTY LIGHT & SOUND BALL - The pretty lights and funny giggling sound from these Light & Sound Balls are all you need to make playtime into a party. Add to any Ball Party product! Two Light & Sound balls are contained in each retail package. Ages 9 months + By Tomy. Both available through International Playthings. |
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NOBBIE GERTIE BALL
Extra nobbie surface makes it easy to catch and throw. Blue and green. 8" diameter. For all ages. Can be under-inflated to make it easier to grasp.
Small World Toys |
PLAY SPORTS 30" FUN BALL
The bigger the ball the bigger the fun! Perfect for backyards, pools, birthday parties and more. Why didn't they have toys like this when we were kids! Comes in pearlescent colors--yellow, blue, pink and purple. Age: from 3 years. Also used in therapy for stretching and balancing skills.
Small World Toys |
 01014
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Pound and Play.
Works on eye hand co-ordination. Balls come out hole in front and down a gentle ramp with a mirror behind it giving added visual stimulation. By International Playthings. |
Tube with a View
Peep-through windows make this tunnel super fun! Durable, easy to crawl through tube features 3 mesh windows great for peeking out! Connects with Ryan's Room Cozy Clubhouse, See Me TeePee, Hide In Hideout, 100% Super Tent and Up, Down, All Around. Age: from 2 years
Small World Toys |
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