MV T2.01Bell on a Ribbon
A bell hung on a ribbon over the movement mat, within reach of the infant's hands, rings when the infant's arm hits it.
Safety
- Used only while an adult is watching and within arm's reach; taken down after each use and never left over a sleeping or unattended infant.
- Check the ribbon, knot, and bell fastening before each use; replace a frayed ribbon.
- The bell is too large to fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.) in case it comes loose.
- The ribbon hangs from above and is never tied to a crib, a play yard, or the infant's clothing.
Presentation
- 1
Check the knot and the bell's fastening by pulling on them.
- 2
Lay the infant on their back on the mat, telling them first.
- 3
Hang the bell over the chest, low enough that the infant's hand can touch it when the arm is stretched up.
- 4
Tap the bell once so it rings, then take your hand away.
- 5
Sit beside the mat and stay quiet. Watch the arm hit the bell by chance, then again on purpose. The sound when the hand hits the bell is the point of interest.
- 6
As the infant starts to grasp, leave the bell at the same height so they can take hold of it.
- 7
Take the bell down at the end of the session, before you step away, and before the infant sleeps.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Hang the bell over the feet so the infant kicks it
- Hang the bell a little to one side so the infant reaches across
- Hang it over the infant while they are on the tummy or sitting
Control of error
The bell: it rings only when the hand hits it; a missed swipe makes no sound.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Hits the bell on purpose several times in a row
- Looks at the bell and moves the arm toward it
- Grasps the bell or the ribbon and holds it
Guide note
Visual mobiles in the Sensorial area come first. At home, the bell is sometimes left hanging over the mat; in this draft it is always taken down after use.