The balance board is a curved board that can be used differently depending on the age, mobility, and interests of the child. It can be used like a rocking chair and allow a child to experience an exhilarating back-and-forth motion in a safe way. The main purpose of the rocking function is to improve the balance. To do this, the kid should place one foot on either side of the board and lean on each leg one at a time, maintaining balance while swinging side to side. This improves the functioning of the vestibular apparatus which is responsible for balance. Be sure to watch your toddler during this activity to make sure they do not get hurt by any surrounding obstacles.
The balance board can be flipped upside down to make a secure arch structure that can be used as a seat, climbing frame, slide, and hiding place for toys and objects. By using it to climb, children are actively working with their fingers, which stimulates the left hemisphere of the brain responsible for speech. Gross motor skills also develop as a result of the child’s effort to maintain balance while climbing.
What are balancing boards like?
On the Wood And Hearts page, you can find balance boards in two sizes - standard and small. The small size is for children aged between 8 months and 4 years. We do not recommend purchasing the small size for older children, because no object in a Montessori environment should be so small that it interferes with a child's movements. The standard size is more spacious and is designed for children from 2 to 8 years. Supervision is always advised when children use the balance board.
WoodandHearts offers a large assortment of color combinations to suit any taste and style of a child's bedroom. There is a wide spectrum of colors to choose from, and all of our colors are sourced from water-based paints that are environmentally friendly. There are light, soothing colors as well as bright rainbow colors, and you may also choose a natural wood appearance without any paint.
Why is it important to choose natural materials for the child?
It is very important to choose natural materials so as not to cause any reactions on the child's delicate skin. When you choose natural materials for the child, you guarantee their safety and health. In addition, the soft colors and texture of the product positively influence psyche and mental health.
Parents can help their children by choosing the appropriate furniture, and the children are in charge of how to utilize the toy. This is an important Montessori principle.