Kicking Ball: Infant Gross Motor
Made by Nienhuis Montessori · shipped by Heutink International (Netherlands) About the maker
A soft fabric ball of about 15 cm, built from twelve wedge shaped cushions sewn together and stuffed, with a bell fixed firmly at the bottom. It hangs by its ribbon near an infant's legs and feet, at the height where a kick reaches it, and the bell answers every time it is hit. That is the whole design: a movement the baby makes by accident becomes a movement they make on purpose, because the sound arrives with it. The textured surface makes it easy to grasp once they can. The Baby Gym mobile stand is ordered separately.
“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”
The Kicking Ball represents Montessori's understanding that movement drives cognitive development in infancy.
- Develops gross motor control through targeted leg movements
- Builds cause-and-effect understanding through sound production
- Strengthens core and leg muscles needed for crawling
- Enhances eye-foot coordination and spatial awareness
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This fabric flower with its red polka dot petals and metal bell transforms random leg movements into purposeful action when positioned at the perfect kicking distance. Each successful kick rewards the infant with the bell's gentle chime, creating a clear connection between physical effort and sensory feedback. The Kicking Ball addresses the pre-mobile infant's need to strengthen leg muscles while simultaneously developing spatial awareness. Unlike passive mobiles, this hanging flower invites active participation through its reachable position and immediate auditory response. The red polka dot pattern provides visual interest that maintains focus, while the bell's consistent sound helps infants understand their power to affect their environment. Maria Montessori observed that purposeful movement precedes all other learning, and the Kicking Ball honors this by making leg exercises intrinsically rewarding through its musical response.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Suspend the Kicking Ball from a play gym or secure hook, positioning it 8-10 inches from the infant's feet when lying on their back. Ensure the bell moves freely and the fabric petals are spread open.
- 1
Place infant on their back directly below the ball, with feet aligned to reach the center
A firm surface provides better leverage for kicking than a soft mattress - 2
Gently tap the ball to demonstrate the bell sound, drawing infant's attention
Make eye contact and smile when the bell rings to show delight - 3
Guide one foot to touch the ball if needed, then allow independent exploration
Touch guidance should be minimal - discovery happens through repetition - 4
Observe without intervening as infant experiments with different kick strengths
Count successful kicks mentally to track progress over days
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
In classrooms
Around the world
European brands
Nienhuis, GAM, Educo
AMI approved
To the association standard
Kicking Ball: Infant Gross Motor
