Frog balance — a maths scale that checks the answer

A frog-shaped scale with a pan on each arm, a set of small frogs and the numbers 1 to 10. Each number weighs the same as that many frogs. Put an 8 on one side and eight frogs on the other, and the scale levels out.

What it builds

• Counting, one frog at a time, until the pans are level
• Matching a written number to an amount, which is the first real step in maths
• Early adding: a 3 and a 5 on one side balance an 8 on the other
• Checking your own work, because the scale shows a wrong answer before an adult has to

Why we stock it

Most counting toys need a grown-up to say whether the answer is right. This one doesn't. If the child puts six frogs against an 8, the scale tips and they can see something is missing. So a four-year-old can play it alone, and the maths grows with them. It starts with matching one number to frogs, then two numbers against one, then working out what's missing from a tipped scale.

The details

Age

3 and up

Numbers

1 to 10, one piece each

Counters

Small frogs, each weighing one unit

Scale

Frog body, two pans, base

Material

Moulded plastic

Power

None. No batteries.

In the box

The frog scale, two pans, the base, the frogs and the ten number pieces. The arm clips into the base and the pans sit on the ends. There are no tools and it takes a minute.

Care

Wipe it with a damp cloth. Keep all the frogs together. The game only works if every frog is there, so a lost frog makes every answer come out one short. Set it on a flat table, since a tilted surface tips the scale on its own.

Specifications colours and content may vary from illustrations