Melissa & Doug Food Groups - Wooden Play Food

Pretend play leads to cooperative play, is excellent for developing imaginations, and creative young minds! Imaginary play is a crucial developmental stage. It’s the stage in which all children begin to develop an understanding of the world around them, and learn to safely navigate those surroundings through imitation, practice and exploration. It’s also a foundation for basic social and language skills. Wooden play food is a great first toy to build your child’s multi-sensory, imaginary world… Planning a well-balanced meal is child's play with this wooden play food set. Items from the five food groups—including watermelon, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, and much more—are crafted of solid wood and come with four wooden baskets for sorting and storage. SENSES/SKILLS: • Pretend Play • Object Recognition • Can be used as assistive communication object • Interactive Play OTHER WAYS TO PLAY & LEARN: • Ask the child to identify each food item (other than condiments) and to categorize it by basic food group: meat, dairy, grain, or fruits and vegetables. Ask the child to place each food group in a different crate. • Ask the child to identify each food item (other than condiments) and to categorize it by basic food group: meat, dairy, grain or fruits and vegetables. Ask the child to place each food group in a different crate. • Have the child identify the colors of each food item, and sort the items by color among the four crates. • Help the child to assemble a balanced meal in each basket. Explain that each meal must have one item from each food group. • Visual memory skills: Place 3-4 ingredients in front of the child. Let the child study them before asking the child to close their eyes while you remove one piece. Ask the child which piece was removed. Gradually increase the number of ingredients. FEATURES: • Sturdy wooden food set featuring items from the five food groups for healthy pretend play. • Includes watermelon, corn, milk, cheese, cereal, fish, eggs, and more. • Stores neatly in four wooden crates • Fun and educational whether as a stand-alone or as part of a play kitchen. • Package: 12.25" H x 8.25" W x 2.5" L Ages 3+ Years