Here We Go Exploring! (Fisher Price Peek-a-BlocksTouch Sensations Blocks)

Member Name: ukusa

Product:	Fisher Price Peek-a-BlocksTouch Sensations Blocks
Date:	04/04/07 (82 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Multi-sensory, great price

Disadvantages: none

Through the advances in brain-imaging techniques it has been proven what researchers have said for over twenty years- a baby's environment has a dramatic affect on brain development.

In the first years of a baby's life, the brain is busy building its wiring system. The amount of stimulation a baby receives has a direct affect on how well that wiring is established. Repetitive stimulation strengthens the wiring and makes it permanent, whereas young wiring that doesn't get used will eventually die out.

A baby's first years are a very important and pivotal time for a developing young brain. This intense period of brain growth and network building happens only once in a lifetime. We as parents have a brief but golden opportunity to help our babies stimulate the formation of brain wiring.


Ok, I am one of THOSE mothers who like to stimulate my child's curiosity at every turn. As an educator I KNOW the importance of a good start and the implications it can have on a life time of learning. Thus, I always try to provide an environment of exploration to develop my son's wiring.

So, with that in mind, my friend bought my son the Fisher Price Peek-a-Blocks™ Touch Sensations Blocks for Christmas. She said her own son, who is just a month older than my son, had got some a few weeks before and LOVED them. Thus, my little man got his first set of blocks.

However, these blocks were not just ordinary blocks as I could see immediately!

~Packaging~

The blocks are blister packed so that they can be easily seen because you HAVE to see them to appreciate just what these blocks can do for the development of your child. What I did not like about the packaging is that it is NOT easy to get into and when you have a 7 month old wanting the blocks NOW, it can be a bit difficult. Scissors are required to open the packaging and can leave sharp bits. So, be sure to dispose of the plastic immediately.

~The Blocks~

Now that the blocks were out of the packaging, I was able to give my son a few and I had a closer look at them. I must admit, I was just as fascinated as he was.

The textures these blocks have are amazing. There are squishy bits, bumpy bits, soft bits and hard bits. They are fascinating. Each 2 inch block has some sort of theme to it and each side has a somewhat different texture to it. Some of the bits you can push, some you can pull, some you can move and some are just there!

There are a total of 6 blocks and each is multi-coloured to add to the stimulation of the toy.

There are 3 main developmental benefits of the blocks:

~Stimulating the Senses~

-They provide tactile stimulation with the various textures and materials involved on each side of the block. Each block has 6 sides with 6 blocks giving 36 different textures and material combinations.

- They provide visual stimulation with the different colours and patterns.

~Encourages Cognitive Development~

-Develops thinking skills as the baby starts to recognise the various textures.

-It also encourages problem solving skills as the baby learns to stack the blocks in different ways.

~Develops Motor Skills~

-As the baby plays with the blocks by stacking them and grabbing them, it develops his eye-hand coordination.

-As the little fingers explore the various textures, fine motor skills are developed

~Reaction~

After my initial fascination with the blocks, I watched my son as he explored each block. His little fingers explored the textures and he even laughed at the feeling of some of the softer more fuzzy materials. Of course, each block went into his mouth to allow his tongue to explore the textures and materials as well. He spent a good 30 minutes just exploring the various blocks before he moved onto another toy.

For a 7 month old, that was an amazing amount of time.

Over time, I watched as he continued his exploration.

Sometimes he would take 2 or more blocks and stack them and knock them down. Other times, he would just lay back and turn the block he had in his hand periodically putting it in his mouth or running his fingers over the blocks.

He seems to enjoy the whole concept of the blocks and as he has grown older, they are continued to be one of his favourite toys in his toy box. He will dig through the box trying to find a few of the blocks.

His new trick is to take the blocks and put them into a can he has and then shake the can to make a noise. Thus, adding another dimension to the developmental aspects of the toy.

~Other Important Information~

Cost- Approximately £7 for the 6 blocks

Age- 6 months on

There are 3 other Sensations Blocks made by Fisher Price. They each use various methods of sensations to add development.

~Conclusion~

This is an excellent toy for all children. It provides stimulation that allows the baby's brain to develop properly while also making play enjoyable. The cost of the toy makes it within the price range of most people. It also makes a perfect gift for that special little one in your life.

Summary: This is a great multi-sensory toy that develops that all important wiring in a baby's brain!