Enabling Environments: Tried and Tested - Sensory resources

BOING LIGHT BALL

NES ARNOLD

AGE: 3+

PRICE:£4.75

CONTACT: www.nesarnold.co.uk or 0845 1204525

This light ball, which changes colour at the squeeze of a hand, has seven different colours and a fast-slow flashing phase.

Tested by Your Child Matters Childminding Service, Dartford, Kent

'This is an excellent addition to our sensory box. The children found it very easy to use and extremely tactile. I have two children on the autistic spectrum, aged five and four, both with speech disorders. They quickly worked out how to change the colour with the simple squeeze of the hand. They were very animated throughout their play and it held their interest. I also used it for recognition of colours and counting with the other children. It promoted language as the children discussed the feel and texture of the ball, and we also used it as a tool for learning our colours and numbers in French, as we have a child who is bilingual. The product seemed completely safe and well-made and it was easy to clean. It also appears more robust than others I have come across, and it is reasonably priced. The only negative is that the instructions tell you not to drop the light ball from a height or bounce it, as this may damage the electronics. Having said this, the children did drop and throw it and no damage was done.'