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BY ACCESSING THE ABLE PLAY RATING SYSTEM ON THE ABLEPLAY SITE, YOU ARE INDICATING YOUR AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SUCH TERMS
MAY BE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME.
Press or turn one of the three levers to release a ball from this pretend gumball machine. The levers release one ball at a time. It rolls down to the clear hinged door at the bottom of the machine. Lift the hinged door to retrieve the ball and then put it back in the top for continued play. Phthalate-free, BPA-free and lead-free.
Words can be used to describe the balls and action.
There are enough balls to encourage children to take turns manipulating a lever and releasing the balls.
Verbal communication is not a requirement of play.
This toy can be used independently or with a friend.
Skills
The ball drop is full of cause and effect learning fun; turn the lever and a ball is released.
A child’s problem solving skills are tapped into when they discover they need to turn or press a lever to dispense a ball, and then lift the small door to retrieve it.
Color identification can be encouraged by using the colors on the balls.
Counting skills can be incorporated into play as children count the number balls they place in the machine and how many they release.
Children can learn about similarities and differences when they compare and contrast the 12 balls: four patterned, four solid and four rattling.
Sequential thought process is incorporated into play. This toy has a four-step sequence to successfully activate: insert balls on top, press or turn a lever, open the door and retrieve the ball.
Encourage receptive and expressive language through play.
Make noises such as, “vrrooom,” and “weeee,” as a ball rolls down to encourage imitation of vocalizations.
Action concepts such as in and out are developed when playing with the Sugar Chute.
Play Ideas
Have the child count the balls out loud as they put them in or take them out of the machine.
Use descriptive words when talking about the balls and the machine.
Roll balls back and forth with a friend.
Pretend the balls are real gumballs and share them with your friends.
Have the caregiver hold a basket or plastic container and then have the child place the retrieved balls into the container. This helps encourage interaction.
Adaptation Ideas
Limit the number of balls presented to a child. Gradually increase that number as his ability and frustration levels permit.
Provide a verbal cue to remind a child how to release a ball.
The Sugar Chute is repetitive in nature which can be stimulating to some children with special needs. Use this as a motivator or reward for other non preferred activities that you are soliciting from the child.
This toy can be used for exploratory fun and for increasing imaginative play.
The three levers are easy to understand and remember how to activate.
There are many balls to encourage repetitive play and the learning that results.
With the turn of a key or push of the lever, a ball drops down the chute. Open the door and take the ball out. Children can play with the balls independently or put them back in the shoot for more fun.
There are many balls for children to release and retrieve. This repetitive play helps children remember and recall the steps for successful play.
A large opening on top of the machine allows for easy access to the balls.
Skills
The ball drop is full of cause and effect learning fun; turn the lever and a ball is released.
A child’s problem solving skills are tapped into when they discover they need to turn or press a lever to dispense a ball, and then lift the small door to retrieve it.
Color identification can be encouraged by using the colors on the balls.
Counting skills can be incorporated into play as children count the number balls they place in the machine and how many they release.
Children can learn about similarities and differences when they compare and contrast the 12 balls: four patterned, four solid and four rattling.
Sequential thought process is incorporated into play. This toy has a four-step sequence to successfully activate: insert balls on top, press or turn a lever, open the door and retrieve the ball.
Play Ideas
Count the balls as you put them into the machine and as they come out.
Match and group the balls. There are four balls that have a printed pattern, four that are solid and four that have a clear half to view a smaller ball rattling inside.
Play with the balls separately by rolling them down a couch cushion or across the floor. Use the lid of a box to contain play.
Make believe the balls are real “gumballs” and pretend to share and eat them.
Adaptation Ideas
Limit the number of balls presented to a child. Gradually increase that number as his ability and frustration levels permit.
Provide a verbal cue to remind a child how to release a ball.
The Sugar Chute is repetitive in nature which can be stimulating to some children with special needs. Use this as a motivator or reward for other non preferred activities that you are soliciting from the child.
The machine is colorful and the balls are all visually unique.
Four balls make rattling sounds when they are shaken or roll.
The levers are all large and have unique features to stimulate and add interest to play.
The balls can be heard moving inside the machine when one is released.
The balls are all uniform in texture.
Skills
Arm extension and reaching is encouraged as children place the balls in the top of the machine and retrieve them at the bottom of the machine.
Finger and hand grasp is encouraged as children hold the balls in their hands.
Fine motor movements are used to activate the levers and open the door.
Bilateral coordination is used to stabilize the unit with one hand and manipulate one of the three levers with the other hand.
Encourage midline play by having a child hold one ball in each hand and bang them together.
Color identification can be encouraged by using the colors on the balls.
Counting skills can be incorporated into play as children count the number balls they place in the machine and how many they release.
Make noises such as, “vrrooom,” and “weeee,” as a ball rolls down to encourage imitation of vocalizations.
The ball drop is full of cause and effect learning fun; turn the lever and a ball is released.
Play Ideas
For a child with visual impairments, shake one of the rattling balls, and have them to use their listening skills, to locate it.
Adaptation Ideas
The Sugar Chute is repetitive in nature which can be stimulating to some children with special needs. Use this as a motivator or reward for other non preferred activities that you are soliciting from the child.
Use the machine in the lid of a box to help keep all pieces within reach and easily accessed.
The balls are a good size for whole hand grasping.
There are enough balls for a caregiver to model how to activate the machine and have the child copy.
The levers are all large enough to manipulate with a whole hand or refined pincer grasp.
Each step can be successful using only one hand.
A large opening on top of the machine allows for easy access to the balls.
The machine will fit nicely on a wheelchair tray.
The machine is tall and encourages an upright position for play.
The clear plastic hinged door in front can be lifted and remain in an open position so children do not have to hold it open and retrieve the ball simultaneously.
Skills
Arm extension and reaching is encouraged as children place the balls in the top of the machine and retrieve them at the bottom of the machine.
Finger and hand grasp is encouraged as children hold the balls in their hands.
Fine motor movements are used to activate the levers and open the door.
Bilateral coordination is used to stabilize the unit with one hand and manipulate one of the three levers with the other hand.
Encourage midline play by having a child hold one ball in each hand and bang them together.
Play Ideas
Allow the ball to roll away from the child to encourage crawling or walking.
Try to get the balls out of the machine from the top. How many balls can you reach?
How many balls can you hold at once? Have the child hold more than one ball in his hands.
Roll balls back and forth with a friend.
Use the balls independently of the machine. Hide them for a toddler to walk, crawl and climb to find.
Adaptation Ideas
Use hand-over-hand assistance for the child to activate the levers and release the balls.
Place non-skid shelf liner under the machine to help stabilize it for play.
The Sugar Chute is repetitive in nature which can be stimulating to some children with special needs. Use this as a motivator or reward for other non preferred activities that you are soliciting from the child.
Use the machine in the lid of a box to help keep all pieces within reach and easily accessed.
