We love our Grapat mandala pieces for learning and play. They are beautiful and vibrant in color, with shapes inspired by the beauty and simplicity of nature. Each little piece have its unique texture and are perfect for open-ended play.
About Grapat Mandala
Grapat mandala pieces are each made of sustainable wood and hand-painted using non-toxic, water-based paints. The finishes are made with wax and oils of vegetable origin. All packaging is 100% plastic free and is made of heavyweight cardboard that is meant to last for years.
The wood is smooth, yet it retains some texture and visual signs of wood grain. This allows for an inviting sensory experience during play.
The vision of Grapat is for children to have open-ended play, and is free from expectations or judgement. It is all about play discovery and experimentation.
What age do you recommend loose parts play for?
Grapat Loose Parts are recommended for ages over 3+. However, my daughter started playing with them at 18 months of age (with close supervision). Please use caution and be mindful that these loose parts can present a choking hazard.
What are the benefits of playing with Grapat Mandala?
Here are some of the benefits:
• Invokes Imagination, creativity, and exploration
• Open-ended play
• Develops fine motor skills
• Problem-solving
• Practice counting skills
• Pattern and color recognition
• Spacial awareness
• Sensory play experience
What are ways to play with Grapat Mandala?
Mathematical problems (eg. counting)
Grapat Mandala is a resource to learn how to count. We use our number cards to visualize numbers in a fun and engaging way. He loves this activity to “make” 4 suns, 7 hot air balloons, 8 apples, etc.
Small World Play
My 2 year old daughter is really into small world and we always enjoy using these loose parts to decorate our imaginary world.
Color Sort
Sorting by color is a great way for children to practice various skills. Besides color recognition, children will develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordinate simply by using their hands to pick up the pieces and placing them in or on an object. Most of the Grapat Mandala sets comes with 3 shades, which increase to the combination of color sorting.
Rocks and Pebbles for Construction Play
The Grapat Mandala is perfect for construction play. They can be pebbles and rocks. My kids loves loading them up in their dump trucks and transporting them around the house.
Create Art
My favorite way to play with these Grapat mandala pieces is to make art out of them. Create art such as making mandalas, animals, objects, etc., the possibilities are endless! They are truly a valuable open-ended resource.
Mandala Loose Parts Template Sale
We are having our 20% Annual Sale on all of my Mandala Loose Parts Templates through the month of November. No coupons necessary. You can also read about why I started to make my own templates in this post.