Building Block Set: Wooden Stacking Cups

Classic toys like nesting cups have stood the test of time because they offer endless fun and learning opportunities for children. 

Features:

• Material: premium basswood
• Painted with non-toxic, water-based colours
• 5 wooden cups (biggest cup measure 10 x 10 cm)

What our OT says:

I recommend stacking cups for toddlers and young children due to the numerous developmental benefits they offer. Don't be deceived - these seemingly simple toys pack a big punch when it comes to early learning development. 

•  Fine Motor Skills: Stacking cups help children develop intentional grasp and release skills. As toddlers pick up and place the cups, they learn how to control and position their fingers.
• Visual and Spatial Perception: Stacking and nesting toys enhance depth perception and hand-eye coordination. When children place each cup on top of another, they visually gauge where to position each piece relative to themselves and other cups. Nesting toys provide guidance in early visual perception.
• Balance and Gross Motor Skills: Sitting up while stacking cups allows babies to stabilise their core and coordinate movements. This early multitasking activity helps them to maintain their balance. 
•   Crossing Midline: Crossing of the midline is where the one side of the body, crosses over to the other side of the body. Crossing midline is essential for various skills, including handwriting, cutting with scissors, and reading. Stacking cups encourage the crossing of the midline when placed all around the child. While the child need to reach and pick up the stacking cup they need to cross their midline of their body and also need to use both hands for picking the cups up. This promotes bilateral coordination, which is essential for tasks of daily living where both hands are involved.  
•   Language Development: Comparison, (Small and big) Stack  three blocks and ask “what comes next?”  Use this as an opportunity to talk about, colours, counting, matching, top/bottom, inside. Work on turn taking while you stack.
•    Creative Play: There's no one way to play.  Children naturally think outside of the box, so encourage them to look for alternative uses for whatever's at hand. Turn the pieces on their side and roll them, stack them upside down. Pretend they are a clowns nose, goggles or a bugs eyes.