Geoboard - Four Ways
I noticed Otto loving the geoboard at his Montessori toddler group a couple of weeks ago so I thought it might be time to get ours out of the cupboard.
Previously he had been using the toddler geoboard (#2) but perhaps now we could try a larger one like our standard geoboard (#4) or our transparent geoboard (#3) on the light table.
At this age the purpose of using the geoboard is for the child to:
- get to know the material and how it works - for the child to become proficient in using the material so that it can be used in future lessons.
- develop and strengthen fine motor skills - including developing the pincer grip as the child holds the elastic and hooks it over the peg, also works the hand and wrist muscles as the child pulls the elastic.
- develops bilateral coordination - both hands are working together
- increase awareness of geometry and begin to create basic shapes - I find the child makes shapes without intent, only afterwards noticing there is a triangle or a square.
Although we have these lovely geoboards Otto's favourite and most used geoboard is the one I made for him using a wood slice and some nails (#1). I love this as the wood slice is clearly made from a tree, it's easy for him to make the connection between the finished product and the raw material. The nails make it really easy for his small fingers to use.
Holding, stretching, pulling.
Both hands working together.
The transparent geoboard (below) is a little harder to use but the light table adds an interesting element.
Otto pictured here is three years (36 months) old.
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