Frequently Asked Questions
What's in our kits?
Why are fine motor skills so important?
Who are these kits for?
What does Mishmoosh mean?
Mishmoosh is a Hebrew word that means to touch. Specifically the kind of touching it refers to is when you feel around in the dark. Mishmoosh is all about making meaning with your hands. We think it's the perfect name for our hands-on fine motor kits.
What is in our kits?
Kits come with materials that allow for open-ended, purposeful play, focused on a Jewish holiday that targets specific, essential fine motor skills. Each kit also includes directions for adults, about Jewish concepts, fine motor skills and questions that can be asked during play to help expand children’s learning. Our kits do not depend on fillers like playdough or rice that might go bad after a few weeks (if you’re lucky) and can be used by a range of ages and skill levels. Our kits do include choking hazards and children should be supervised when they are using our kits.
Why are fine motor skills important?
Children need hands-on play to build fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are skills that use the small muscles of the hand and require coordination, practice and precision. These kits are made to help these muscles strengthen and children to develop the skills they will need for future writing and essential tasks. Families and schools need kits that encourage children to play and that can be used over and over again (without needing to make sure that playdough lids are closed). It is essential in early learning for children to learn with their hands. Maria Montessori, an educational philosopher, says, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” As your children play with our kits they are building a lifelong connection to Judaism, while they are also developing these essential fine motor skills.
Who are these kits for?
These kits are great for children of all ages. Our kits include choking hazards so children should be supervised when they are using our kits, and we recommend that any small pieces not be used by children that put toys in their mouths, especially those under 3 years old. These kits are great for grandparents, parents, teachers and schools.