Description
Key Purposes & Benefits
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Cognitive Development: The primary goal is to help the infant understand object permanence, the concept that an object still exists even when it can no longer be seen.
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Hand-Eye Coordination: It requires the Child to grasp the ball, align it with the hole, and release it, refining their motor control.
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Cause and Effect: The child learns that dropping the ball (the cause) leads to the ball reappearing in the tray (the effect).
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Concentration: Because the activity is self-correcting, infants often repeat the process many times, building their capacity for focus.
How it is Used
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Presentation: The guide sits with the child and slowly picks up the ball.
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The Drop: The guide drops the ball into the hole. For a split second, the ball disappears.
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The Reappearance: The ball rolls out of the side opening and comes to a rest in the tray.
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Repetition: The infant is then invited to try. The “magic” of the ball disappearing and then returning never fails to delight them, encouraging the repetitive play necessary for mastery.
Why the “Tray” version?
While there are other versions of this material (such as the one with the drawer), this tray version is usually the first one introduced.
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Instant Feedback: The ball returns immediately without the child needing to perform a second action (like pulling a drawer).
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Independence: It allows a very young infant to work entirely on their own, as the ball is always within reach once it rolls into the tray.
Manufactured in birchply, the activity is supplied with plastic ball.
Related Products
- Object Permanence Box with Drawer
- Imbucare Box with Lid
- Imbucare Board with Disc
- Imbucare Board with Knit Ball
Further Reading and Resources:












Noleen Clarke –
My little one simply adores this activity. She repeats this exercise with utmost concentration.
Alicia Dhanta (verified owner) –
One of the first products in the nido phase.