ORTEK Crocodile Balance Stones for Children

Learning Concept and Pedagogical Approach

ORTEK Crocodile balance stones are a movement and sensory development toy designed according to sensory integration and open-ended learning principles. Children learn through movement, balance, and spatial exploration, creating their own movement paths while stepping across playful “islands.”

This type of movement toy strengthens coordination and proprioception—the ability to sense body position in space. Such an approach is widely used in Eastern European physiotherapy and movement development practices, where children build physical skills through active play and hands-on experience.

The balance stones function as elements of a movement route, encouraging children to experiment independently by arranging paths, distances, and rhythm of movement.

Use and Exploration Process

The set includes six crocodile-shaped balancing elements that act as stable stepping stones. Children move from one stone to another, practicing balance and planning their movements.

Possible activities include:

• walking across the stones as a movement path

• adjusting the distance between elements

• balancing exercises on a single stone

• jumping from one element to another

• color recognition games

During independent play, children design their own movement routes. In shared activities with parents or educators, the stones become elements of movement games or obstacle courses.

Balance play helps children develop confidence in movement and better body control.

Developmental Benefits

The balance stones support several important areas of child development:

• fine motor skills – improving movement precision and balance control

• hand–eye coordination – planning steps and movement between elements

• logical thinking – creating routes and evaluating distances

• concentration – maintaining balance during movement

• language development – learning color names and following movement instructions

• early mathematical skills – understanding sequences, counting, and spatial relationships

• sensory development – spatial awareness and body balance perception

Additionally, the toy helps strengthen leg muscles and improve overall coordination.

Materials and Tactile Experience

The balancing elements are made from environmentally friendly PVC, a durable and safe material for children.

Material features:

• non-toxic and hypoallergenic

• suitable for indoor and outdoor use

• lightweight yet stable structure

• surface with a non-slip base

Each element provides stable contact with the floor, helping children move safely during active play.

Safety and Certification

The product complies with international toy safety standards.

Compliance includes:

• CE certification

• EN71 toy safety standard

• REACH chemical safety regulation

Each element features a non-slip base, stable construction, and rounded edges to reduce the risk of injury during active play.

Technical Information

Product type: balance stones for children
Brand: ORTEK
Materials: hypoallergenic PVC
Set includes: 6 crocodile-shaped balancing elements
Number of elements: 6
Single element size: 41 × 22 × 10 cm
Recommended age: from 2 years
Care instructions: rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth

The elements are lightweight and compact and can be stacked together for convenient storage.

Brand

ORTEK specializes in the development of movement development, sensory integration, and orthopedic play products. The brand combines physiotherapy principles, safe materials, and playful design, helping children naturally develop coordination, balance, and body awareness.

ORTEK products are widely used in families, preschools, and movement therapy activities because they provide high quality, safety, and meaningful educational value appreciated by both parents and professionals.