Tumi Ishi Blocks

These Tumi Ishi balancing blocks have been a hit with A AND mom and dad!

This activity took a bit of modeling at the beginning because it requires slow and coordinated movements as well as concentration. But I have seen A gradually become more gentle with the blocks as she works to balance them on top of each other. 

These rock-like wooden blocks are the definition of an open-ended toy. Super versatile, they are perfect for transferring and stacking and just as much fun to knock over. They can also be used for counting, with other blocks, or as landscaping accessories. They will grow with A and I believe she will use them for years. 

They also offer a ton of opportunities for young children to develop a range of physical and cognitive skills, including:

⋒ hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness

⋒ wrist rotation and hand strength

⋒ size discrimination

⋒ problem-solving skills (to find the best way to place the rocks)

⋒ creativity

⋒ concentration 

⋒ perseverance (to continue to stack after they fall down)

Bringing play to life:

• Go on a stone hunt outside and try to stack them. “How many can you count on this pile?”