Description

Key Purposes & Benefits

• Logical Classification: The Child must make a decision before acting. They have to look at the object, identify its colour and choose the matching “bin.”

• Advanced Visual Discrimination: It sharpens the Child’s ability to see differences between three sets of objects with different colours.

• Concentration and Order: Because there are multiple pieces to sort, the Child engages in a longer cycle of activity, which builds their “attentional stamina.”

• Introduction to Set Theory: Subconsciously, the Child is learning that a group of objects can be divided into smaller, logical “sets.”

How to Present the Material

1. Preparation: Place the box on a rug with the objects mixed together in a single basket to the left.

2. The Comparison: Pick up a red object. Hold it over the red bin and open the drawer. Point to the red object, then the red bin, and say “Red.”

3. The Action: Drop the object in the drawer.

4. The Contrast: Pick up a blue object. Point to the blue bin and say “Blue,” then drop it in.

5. The Reveal: Once all objects are sorted, open the box to show the categories. This provides the “Wow!” moment of success.

Variations of the Bin Box

Depending on the classroom or home setup, you might see several versions:

• Color Bins: Sorting by primary colors (most common).

• Shape Bins: Sorting by different geometric shapes (e.g., spheres vs. cubes).

• Texture Bins: Sorting by feel (e.g., smooth wooden balls vs. fuzzy wool balls).

The Logic Sequence

1. Imbucare Box with One Shape: Only one choice (the “where”).

2. Box with Bins: Two choices (the “which one”).

3. Large Sorting Trays: Multiple choices (sorting 3 or more categories into open bowls).

Toddlers begin using gross motor muscles as soon as they are born.  Some of the actions are; to reach for something, pull themselves up or to open and close a bin drawer.  These muscles are used in conjunction with hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness; each skill develops as they progress to more challenging actions.

This wooden box with bins appears to be a very simple toy, however, it works on a lot of the toddlers’ gross motor skills.  Three bin drawers that open, coloured in three primary colours, red, blue and yellow, are a challenge to the young toddler.

The opening and closing of the drawers on the box with bins, requires muscle control, and focus.  The understanding of object permanence also comes into play.  As they advance, the color matching, and logic presents them with an extension to their vocabulary.  This helps to refine fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and wrist movement.

Size:  39cm x 12cm x 12cm / (15¼” x 4¾” x 4¾”)

The box is manufactured in birchply and the knobs are solid beechwood.

Further Reading and Resources:

“Through early experiences with such puzzle toys, children can develop many useful skills: handling materials, refining movement, completing a cycle of activity, carrying out logical steps in order solving problems.” Susan Mayclin Stephenson, The Joyful Child