Sensory & Fine Motor
Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog
Friendly hedgehog with 12 chunky quills that toddlers push into numbered holes. Builds hand strength, pincer grasp, color recognition, and counting.
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This toy stars in:
How to Use This Toy for Talking
Let your child explore first — follow their lead. Watch what they look at, copy what they do, and add words to their ideas rather than directing the play. Then weave in the goals below for your child's level. A few minutes of shared, chatty play beats a long structured session every time.
Speech Goals by Level
Pick your child's level — not sure? Read the level guide. Each level shows goals for understanding (receptive language — what your child takes in) and using words (expressive language — what they say). Understanding usually comes first, so it's completely normal for the two to be at different levels. And every card has a step down and a step up — meet your child where they are on the day.
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Bronze · First Words
Understanding · receptive
- Follow 'Push it IN!'
- Point to colors when named
Using words · expressive
- Name colors as quills go in
- Say 'in!' or 'push!'
- Say 'more!' to continue
Key concepts
- Colors
- In/out
- Push/pull
- More
Finding it tricky? Drop all demands. Just play side by side and say the words for them — hearing words with zero pressure to speak is still powerful learning.
Too easy? If they copy words easily and use lots on their own, peek at Silver: take their word and add one of yours ('pop!' becomes 'big pop!').
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Silver · Phrases
Understanding · receptive
- Follow 'Find the blue one AND push it in'
Using words · expressive
- 'Push it in!'
- 'Blue one!'
- 'More quills!'
- 'Pop it out!'
Language structures
- Verb + pronoun + location
- Color + noun
Finding it tricky? Step back to the Bronze single words. Say their word, then add just ONE more ('ball' → 'big ball') — no need for them to repeat it.
Too easy? If two-word phrases are flowing, start modelling the Gold sentences during play and leave a pause — many children will surprise you.
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Gold · Sentences & Stories
Sentences to model · expressive
- 'I pushed all the red quills in first, now the blue ones!'
- 'The hedgehog needs all his spikes back!'
Higher language
- Sequencing: first, then, last
- Counting and comparing quantities
- Story creation about the hedgehog
Finding it tricky? Shrink your sentences back to the Silver phrases and slow right down — long sentences are harder to process in the middle of exciting play.
Too easy? Move into storytelling: ask 'what happened?' after play, retell it together, or explore the final bands of the Talking Journey.
Julia's Parent Tip
Narrate your child's actions in short, simple sentences: 'You pushed the red one in!' This technique — called parallel talk — models new words naturally without putting pressure on your child to perform. It's one of the most effective strategies speech pathologists teach parents.
Ready to turn this toy into talk time?
Grab it on Amazon, then come back to this page during play — the goals work best with the toy in hand.
