A wooden puzzle with eight geometrical shapes: hexagon, half-circle, square, diamond, oval, circle, rectangle, and octagon. As the child experiments with placing each shape in the correct hole, it is learning to recognize different shapes and developing cognitive skills. Each shape is also a different colour so the puzzle could also be used for colour recognition.

The game is battered from use and it should be noted that several of the shapes are not as easy to insert in their holes than the more common square, circle, rectangle and oval. This may have discouraged children.

Coxon, John. Easy-to-make learning toys: 50 simple wood projects, New York: Sterling Pub. Co., c1987

The Good toy guide, 1983, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire: Toy Libraries Association; London: Inter-Action Inprint, c1982

Pendred, Gladys E (ed.) Play materials for young children: a guide to parents and pre-school centre committees in selecting play materials, London; [Parkville]: Melbourne University Press, 1964

Parenting toddlers: Educational toys

What are suitable Montessori toys?

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. To be a child August 2004-