A020 Cylinder Blocks

Materials:

• Set 1 (Block 1): Ten cylinders varying in height and diameter, from tall and wide to short and narrow.

• Set 2 (Block 2): Ten cylinders varying in height and diameter, from short and wide to tall and narrow.

• Set 3 (Block 3): Ten cylinders varying in diameter only.

• Set 4 (Block 4): Ten cylinders varying in height only.

Preparation:

• This is an individual exercise, which can be done on a table with a table mat or on the floor with a floor mat.

• (Note: Work cycle to be observed.)

• This presentation can be carried out in three stages, advancing from one stage to the next as the child becomes competent.

• (Repeat the presentation for each of the four blocks of cylinders, progressing from Block 1 to Block 4 as the child masters each block.)

Presentation:

1. The Directress demonstrates how to carry the cylinder block to the table using both hands, holding the ends of the block.

2. Stage 1:

• The Directress sits beside the child and places a cylinder block in front of them.

• She removes the cylinders from the block, holding the knobs with a three-finger (pencil) grip, starting from the largest to the smallest.

• Each cylinder is placed in front of its corresponding socket.

3. After a brief pause, the Directress returns the cylinders to their sockets, from largest to smallest.

• The child may be invited to assist from the third cylinder onwards.

• The exercise is performed without dropping the cylinders and with minimal noise.

4. Stage 2:

• Repeat Stage 1, but place the removed cylinders randomly.

• The child must then find the correct socket for each cylinder.

5. Stage 3:

• Take the largest and smallest cylinders and introduce the following terms:

• Block 1: "Fat, thin"

• Block 2: "Short, tall"

• Block 3: "Fat, thin"

• Block 4: "Short, tall"

• Three Period Lesson:

6. Return the cylinder block to the shelves, holding it with both hands at the ends.

Points of Interest:

• The primary objective is for children to successfully use each cylinder block, allowing them ample time to achieve this.

• Seriation can be challenging for young children, but the Directress's demonstrations and the visual cues of the sockets aid in the process.

Purpose:

• Develop the child's visual perception of dimension.

• Develop the child's coordination of movement.

• Provide controlled experiences in seriation.

• Introduce basic mathematical language.

• Indirectly prepare the child for reading and writing.

• Strengthen the child's pincer grip.