MD-9181 2-In-1 Talking Ball

Toss it back and forth to hear this amazing ball say the ABCs or count to 10! Just flip a switch to select the mode you prefer, then turn the reversible fabric panels to highlight counting quantities, alphabet artwork, and bright colors and patterns. Designed to delight kids of any age, the pleasantly noisy ball is perfect for indoor tossing, catching, kicking, and rolling, helping babies, toddlers, and preschoolers develop gross motor skills as they play. The layered graphics also offer lots of detail to engage children's minds as they grow, gently introducing more advanced concepts such as odd and even numbers or vowels and consonants in a graphical way, and inviting exploration and discovery at a child's own pace. It's a wonderful way to introduce early-learning concepts in a playful, physical way that's perfect for young children! (Play tip: Listen for auditory surprises to cue more laughter along the way!) Melissa & Doug K's Kids toys nurture early childhood development in three key skill areas: physical, cognitive, and social. With interactive designs and multisensory features, K's Kids promotes constructive play and effortless learning, keeping interest high and new skills flourishing throughout the baby and toddler years! Extension Activities: More Ways to Play and Learn: 6 MONTHS AND UP: Place the ball in the child's lap and encourage the child to hug and pat it. Hold the ball in front of the child as you tap it to make the letter and number sounds. Sitting on the floor, roll the ball toward the child. Encourage the child to roll the ball back to you. 12 MONTHS AND UP: Help the child identify the different colors on the toy. Say a color name aloud and help the child point to that color. Point to the different pictures on the ball as you identify each one. Ask the child to touch each picture as you name it. With the number side out, point to and count each group of objects. Ask the child to count with you. Toss and catch or pat the ball to make letter or number sounds, and encourage the child to repeat each letter or number as the ball pronounces it. 18 MONTHS AND UP: Help the child point to each letter as you sing the alphabet song together. Point to the different pictures on the ball, and ask the child to identify each one. Challenge the child to kick the ball across the floor. Name a color or pattern. Ask the child to point to the pictures and parts of the ball that fit the group. OLDER TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: WITH THE SPEAKER IN 123 MODE: Choose one of the numbers, and ask the child to count the objects in the picture group, then pat the ball to count up to the same number. Toss the ball around a group of children, so that it sounds off with every pass. When you hear the silly "boing" sound, ask the child holding the ball to decide a new way to pass the ball--for instance, by kicking it or rolling it across the floor. Show the child that the odd numbers are on the top of the ball and even numbers are on the bottom. As the ball says each number, ask the child to tell you whether it is even or odd. WITH THE SPEAKER IN ABC MODE: Choose one of the letters and ask the child to name the object shown. Then help the child think of other objects that begin with the same letter. Toss or roll the ball around a group of children, so that it sounds off with every pass. Ask the children to stand up or sit down each time they hear one of the letters in their own names. Show the child that vowels are in special orange circles on the ball. Help the child identify all the vowel sounds in his or her own name. AAA batteries not included. Dimensions: 7.5" x 7.5" x 9" Packaged