Knobbed Cylinders

Knobbed cylinders are primarily used to teach children to visually discern between dimensions. I introduced this work to Yumi at 21 months. I started by placing the blocks in a straight line, lifting the cylinders out of their respective sockets, and lining them up in order in front of the block. I then picked up the first cylinder that was removed and put it back in the socket, and did the same for the remaining cylinders. I removed them again and put them in front of the block in order and motioned to let her try. Each block of cylinders varies in diameter and height. To challenge her I used just two blocks, but I rearranged the order that they were placed in front of the block. You can make different presentations with the blocks and offer as many as you deem fit.

As an extension for the little olders you can add a blindfold and have them trace and feel the sockets to match their corresponding cylinders. As competency grows, children become able to do so with touch alone!