This item may have a damaged box, small markings or imperfections that will not detract from the usual function and use of the activity it is designed for.

The Knobbed Cylinder Block Set is designed to introduce the child to the first stage of visual discrimination of size. The set contains 4 blocks, each containing 10 cylinders with knobs, each cylinder fitting into its respective hole. Variations in dimension are offered within each block:-

Block 1: The cylinders, from left to right, remain constant in height (5.5cm) while diameter varies from thick to thin (5.5cm to 1cm).

Block 2: The cylinders, from left to right, vary in height from tall to short (5.5cm-1cm) as well as diameter from thick to thin (5.5cm-1cm).

Block 3: The cylinders, from left to right, vary in height from short to tall (1cm-5.5cm) and in diameter from thick to thin (5.5cm-1cm)

Block 4: The cylinders remain constant in diameter (5.5cm) while height varies from tall to short (5.5cm-1cm).


Purpose of this material:-

Direct
Visual discrimination of dimensions.

Indirect
– Preparation for writing; coordination of the fingers used to hold the pencil.
Refinement of voluntary movement. The child will be able to fit the cylinders with one precise movement.
– Preparation for mathematics.

Suggested Lesson Presentation for each block:-
1. First show the child how to carry the block of cylinders to the table with both hands holding the ends of the block.
2. Sit beside the child and place one cylinder block in front of the child. Remove the cylinders from the block by holding the knobs with three fingers (called the pencil grip), starting from the largest to the smallest. Remove each cylinder from the block and place it in front of the respective socket that it was removed from.
3. After a short pause, put the cylinders back into their respective sockets, starting from largest to the smallest. You may invite the child to help from the 3rd cylinder onwards. The exercise is done without letting the cylinders fall and without making too much noise.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 but place the cylinders at random when removed from the sockets. The child will have to search for the correct socket to place back the cylinders.
5. Language can be introduced with each block to identify dimension by taking the first and the last cylinder of each block and speaking to the child with the following terminology:
Block 1:”thick, thin” Block 2: “tall & thick, short & thin”
Block 3: “short & thick, tall & thin” Block 4: “tall, short”
6. When the lesson presentation is finished ask the child to return the block of cylinders to the shelves, holding the block with two hands at both ends.
7. Suggest to the child that now that they know how to use the cylinder block they can return to practice with it in the same way by themselves whenever they want to.