Using Wooden Toy with an Eccentric Wheel to Promote Learning in Preschoolers

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the use of a wooden toy that was developed as a teaching material for preschoolers in childcare. The toy has two wheels, with one rotating around the eccentric axis and the other around the central axis, and its movement is facilitated by rolling it down an incline. Preschoolers were taught how to make the wooden toy using sandpaper and glue, and were encouraged to play, observe, and ask questions about the toy and its movement. The entire process of learning—from making to playing, observation, and questioning—is believed to benefit preschoolers in their learning journey even after they have graduated to elementary school. In addition, parents and teachers completed a questionnaire which documented changes in the behavior and utterances of preschoolers before and during the play activity, as well as their utterances and toys at home after the activity.