MV T2.02Wooden Ring on a Ribbon
A wooden ring hung on a ribbon with a short elastic section, which the infant grasps and pulls toward themselves.
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 elastic before each use and replace it when it is stretched out or frayed, because worn elastic can snap back.
- The ring is solid wood with no cracks or splinters and is too large to fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
Presentation
- 1
Check the ring for cracks or splinters, and pull the elastic and knots to check they hold.
- 2
Lay the infant on their back on the mat, telling them first.
- 3
Hang the ring over the chest, low enough that the infant can grasp it with the arm bent.
- 4
Take hold of the ring, pull it gently down, and let it go so it moves back up. Then take your hand away.
- 5
Sit beside the mat. Watch the infant reach, grasp, and pull. The ring coming down with the pull and going back up on release is the point of interest.
- 6
Take the ring down at the end of the session, before you step away, and before the infant sleeps.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Hang the ring slightly to one side so the infant reaches across the body
- Hang two rings a short distance apart, one for each hand
- Offer the same ring loose on the mat so the infant picks it up
Control of error
The ring: it moves toward the infant only while they grip it, and moves back up if the hand opens.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Reaches and grasps the ring on the first try
- Pulls the ring toward the mouth with one or both hands
- Lets go of the ring on purpose