{"product_id":"mta-natural-stars-set-of-21","title":"MTA Natural Stars Set of 21","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs an educator looking for open-ended, tactile resources, the MTA Natural Wooden Stars are a beautiful choice for loose parts play and early exploration. This set of 21 beechwood stars, with a natural finish that highlights the wood grain, invites children aged 10+ months to explore shape, size and pattern in a calm, nature-inspired way. Each star is chunky and easy to grasp, making it ideal for small hands to hold, move and position as they practise counting, sorting, stacking and sequencing. With 7 stars in each of 3 sizes and thicknesses, the set supports fine motor development while encouraging children to compare, classify and create arrangements that reflect their own ideas. These versatile stars can be used in construction areas, sensory trays or imaginative play scenes, supporting a range of developmental areas. As part of MTA's Pretend and Play range, they also contribute to growing creativity, imagination, perseverance, and the development of language and social skills within a supportive learning environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducational Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncourages sensory development as children explore natural textures, shapes and varying sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports motor skills through grasping, sorting, stacking and careful placement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePromotes early mathematical thinking, including counting, comparing, and simple sequencing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStimulates imaginative play as children use the stars as props in stories, patterns, and small-world arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassroom \u0026amp; Play Activity Ideas:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the stars in counting games where children arrange specific quantities or create simple number stories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet up sorting invitations where children group stars by size or thickness and explain their choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncourage stacking challenges to see how high or wide structures can be built while maintaining balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrate the stars into imaginative play scenes, using them as characters, treasure, or elements of the night sky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10+ months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContents: 21 natural beechwood stars; 7 in each of 3 sizes and 3 thicknesses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSizes: 7 stars in each of 3 sizes (4.3cm, 5.3cm, 6.2cm) and thicknesses (1.5cm, 2cm, 3cm), with the largest star measuring 6.2(H) x 3(D) cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Beechwood with a natural finish to showcase the wood grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSafety: Designed as a chunky, easy-to-grasp resource suitable for supervised use in early learning environments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Modern Teaching Aids NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42939005567089,"sku":"MTA020002","price":79.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/7633\/6753\/files\/mta020002_mta-natural-stars-set-of-21_v1_4.jpg?v=1768371339","url":"https:\/\/teaching.co.nz\/products\/mta-natural-stars-set-of-21","provider":"Modern Teaching Aids NZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}