Play Mais

This is the coolest product! From Germany, this modeling toy is completely ecological. It’s made from organic corn starch, water and all natural food coloring.   So yes, it’s ok if eaten!  Seriously, even besides its “green” quality, this toy is so fun and original it’s hard not to want to play with it.  I found this at a children’s fair in Madrid and although Americans can purchase it through amazon.com, it seems to be much more popular in Europe.

The Look
They are small, colorful pieces (about an inch long) that stick to each other with water.  Take a peek at this youtube video from the company: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l8IEGMixk


How to Play

All you need to do is wet a cloth and you’re off!  If the child is going to make some sort of standing structure with the Play Mais they will benefit from using a little piece of cardboard or heavy paper as a base.  The pieces stick together when they are moist so just press the colored piece on the cloth and start creating!  

Skills and Modifications

Sensory Input: I love that this is an art product but doesn’t require getting messy, sticky or having advanced fine motor skills.  Many children have sensory input sensitivity and thus often miss out on participating in art projects.  This toy is the solution.

Motor Skills: Play Mais provides great fine motor and coordination practice as the child will be continuously picking up the small pieces and then using their two hands to press the pieces together. The pieces stick together very easily when damp and can also be pulled apart if the child wants to change the design.

Pre-Math: The pieces come in several different colors but are all the same size and shape.  This is perfect for sorting and counting (even fractions as there is a plastic serrated knife included in the box for cutting).

Creativity: Obviously, as with any art, there is no right or wrong.  Play Mais is a non stressful means to be creative and explore color combinations and designs.  Somehow, no matter how you arrange the pieces, the result always looks cool.

Language: Because there are many different colored pieces, it makes it easy to have the child request the desired color many times without being unnatural throughout the play time.  Prompt comments on what the child is making or how tall/big/little/funny etc., the project is.  As always, prompt the child to alert you to his creation when finished ("Look what I did!" sort of thing) and dish out the lavish praise when this is done.

Group Play: I like to dump the pieces on a table in the middle of the kids so they are reaching into the same pile.  This is a good introduction to sharing.  A little while into play time, try alternating putting the pieces out of reach of one child and prompt him/her to ask their peer to hand them the piece they want.  Each child can make their own creation and/or do joint project.  You can provide a large paper base and have two children share the space.  


It's nice to be able to support a company that goes to such lengths to create an environmentally safe toy.  Has anyone seen this toy in the stores?  I have only seen it online and at that first children's fair in Madrid last year.  I'd love for word to spread about this amazing product!

Rating

Overall Rating: 9

Fun value: 10

Educational value: 8

Durability: 9

Cost: 8