Balancing People

Balancing people... Stack them up, balance them, knock them down.. it's such a simple concept, but the learning outcomes are so much more! This is not just a toy, it is a science experiment, a maths problem and creative play all rolled into one.

Our balancing people is an open-ended activity that is a great way for your little one to develop fine motor skills and explore concepts like early math, geometry, problem-solving, and cause and effect.

Features: 

• 16 pc stacking men
• 1 draw string bag for easy storage

What our OT says?

Although this is a balance activity, this set of mini figurines as great value for money if added to your small world play box. Small world play is a style of imaginative play commonly found in early childhood development settings. In this type of play, children use small toys or props to create miniature worlds and scenarios. Here is why I like a small world play set up. 

• Empathy and Perspective-Taking:
  • Small world play allows children to step into different roles and see the world from various perspectives. They might imagine these wooden men as characters with unique backgrounds, experiences, and emotions.
  • As they create stories and interactions, children develop empathy. They learn to consider how others might feel and react in different situations.

• Conflict Resolution:

  • During play, conflicts may arise among the wooden figures. Children have the opportunity to resolve these conflicts.
  • They negotiate, problem-solve, and find solutions. This process fosters emotional regulation and teaches peaceful ways to handle disagreements.

• Creating Safe Spaces:

  • Small world play allows children to create miniature worlds where they have control. They set the rules, create scenarios, and decide outcomes.
  • These safe spaces provide comfort and security. Children can experiment with emotions and situations without real-world consequences.

• Narrative Skills:

  • As children invent stories for the wooden men, they enhance their narrative skills. They learn to structure plots, use language effectively, and convey emotions through dialogue.
  • This storytelling ability contributes to emotional expression and communication.

• Self-Reflection and Self-Identity:

  • When children assign personalities and backstories to the wooden figures, they indirectly explore their own identity.
  • They might project aspects of themselves onto the characters or experiment with different traits. This self-reflection aids emotional self-awareness.

• Coping Strategies:

  • Through play, children practice coping strategies. They might have the wooden men face challenges like fear, sadness, or frustration.
  • By finding ways to comfort or support the characters, children learn coping mechanisms that can apply to their own lives.

• Positive Associations:

  • If children associate playtime with joy, creativity, and emotional exploration, they develop positive feelings toward learning and self-expression.
  • These positive associations contribute to overall emotional well-being.

• Bonding and Social Interaction:

  • When children play together with these figurines, they engage in social interactions. They share ideas, collaborate, and negotiate.
  • These interactions build social skills and emotional connections with peers.