When I was little, I used to absolutely love the video on Sesame Street when they dropped an orange ball down a tube and you watched it hit something that made something else move and so on until the ball went into a silver container,and it was ground up into powder ( never did figure out why that happened!).

I loved the cause and effect of that kind of thing.  Michael is the same way.  He watched videos that show the same kind of cause and effect.  He even attempted to do something like this with some tubes and ramps.

I think because I enjoy watching these actions so much is why I really like the tactile toy set called Gears, Gears, Gears.

The Gears! Gears! Gears! set brings to life the fun of turning one gear and having it turn another, which then turns many more and before you know it, all the gears are in motion.

There are 46 colorful gears in the set along with 26 pillars, 21 axles and 6 interlocking bases that allow you to create shapes before you add the gears.  With the pillars and bases, you can create so many shapes.  In turn, this encourages creative play and hands-on building as opposed to having one structured shape.

As I look at the tactile toy set and think of my child with special needs, I can see how it can be used to help her as well as be very entertaining.  Elizabeth has Sensory Processing Disorder ( SPD) and Dyspraxia.  So working on any motor skill is beneficial in my book. And the Gears, Gears, Gears set can do that because of the fact that pushing the gear onto the pillar or base would require fine motor strength, skills and practice.

I can see how instantly rewarding it would be for children who work hard to see the gears spinning and see a success!

Another thing about the Learning Resources building set is that there is nothing that could be offensive to a child with sensory issues. This is HUGE because many a toy or activity would be rejected by Elizabeth if is was overly challenging to her senses.

With the gears being nicely colored, I can them used to develop basic motor skills like identify colors, counting, matching and even some pattern work.

When my children were little, I always loved the quiet time that came at the end of the day.  The time when an easy and calm activity was in order.  You know, something to help signal the start of the winddown of the day.  I can very much see the Gears building set fitting that time.

Just sitting and enjoying creating.

Sounds good to me.

Although a bit big for a sensory bin, the toy would be one that is relaxing, fun and encourages creative play.  And something that all would enjoy.

So please take a look on our site to see what you think!

I wish everyone a peaceful week.

Michele Gianetti, author of “I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”

 

 

 

Advertisement