PlanToys provided speech pathologists, Erika Cardamone and Sherry Artemenko with the Spatial Rocket to use in their practice, Play On Words. This practice was developed by Erika and Sherry to help children fulfill their potential through smart play. They used the Spatial Rocket as a learning tool, while also observing it being utalized for free-play. Following their sessions, Erika and Sherry shared their insights on the toy, plus the developmental benefits.
- Erika Cardamone, MS, CCC-SLP
Master of Science
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology
- Sherry Artemenko, MA, CCC-SLP
Master of Arts
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology
How To Play:
The PlanToys Spatial Rocket consists of 4 geo shapes, 1 astronaut and 20 index cards. The cards depict images that encourage children to assemble the rocket in different forms, and place the astronaut in a variety of ways, with varied levels of difficulty. This activity helps children translate a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional structure. It also creates for fun adult guided play where children can answer questions about how the different geo shapes and astronaut are in relation to one another to build their spatial thinking. Click here to download the play instructions, plus additional index cards.
The Benefits:
- Developing Prepositions
- Developing Confidence
- Developing Dialogue
- Teamwork Building
- Fine Motor Skills
- Spatial Relation and Thinking
- Sensory Play
Erika Cardamone expressed how much learning is involved in this toy. "The Spatial Rocket highlights opportunities to use prepositions, and prepositions reflect relationships between people, objects, and locations. Words like 'in', 'on', 'under', 'next to.' While these words may seem small, they make a big difference in communication and learning."
Prepositions help children build sentences and expand their vocabulary. They are also crucial to helping children navigate life and engage in everyday activities, "We can go play in the park after you put on your shoes."
Erika also explained how the Spatial Rocket can help build a child's confidence after they've followed the cards' instructions correctly. "There is a growth mindset piece to this toy as well where children can accomplish something and really feel proud of their work."
This toy is also a great tool for team building, and practicing dialogue with other children and adults. Erika explains this in more detail, "There is a deep correlation between play and language development. As children play and learn more about their world they gain more opportunity to use language for a variety of functions. They're using new vocabulary, experimenting with different sentence structures, and using dialogue to converse with each other."
Sherry Artemenko observed a group of preschoolers playing with the Spatial Rocket and noted the positive impacts. "As they're building, they are building their fine motor as well as having a nice sensory experience."
The Spatial Rocket is recommended for children ages 2 and up.
Watch Erika and Sherry's full review of the Spatial Rocket below