There are some toys that have achieved a classic status, having been enjoyed and cherished by generations and generations. The Chakla Belan is one such toy!
Believed to have been invented during the Harrappan Civilization, the early form of the Chakla Belan was made in the Indus Valley Civilization, in what is now Punjab, where they cultivated wheat and barley. It is amazing how this little invention not only survived civilizations but also became an agent that helped spread and pass on a tradition and therefore a culture.
Even today, the Rolling Pin & Rolling Board (Chakla Belan) is a staple in the Indian kitchen and rotis are a staple part of our meals. It is only fitting then that this little object that carries generations of stories and culture be passed down to our children from an early age. This is why you’ll find the Chakla Belan as a quintessential toy in every child’s collection.
So yes, you are passing down tradition to your children when you are giving them a Chakla Belan to play with, but there’s so much more to it:
Fine motor skills:
To begin with, a child size Chakla Belan is great for developing a child’s hand muscles. The back and forth movement is great for strengthening little hands.
Hand-eye coordination:
Along with fine motors skills, the movement also is great for improving hand-eye coordination.
Sensory Stimulation:
When your child is playing with dough, all their senses get involved in exploring the dough and watch is mold.
Concentration:
A child can play a long time when they are doing something, so yes with all their senses and muscles involved, this activity also helps lengthen concentration.
Imagination:
Children are creatures of stories and there are a lot of stories spinning in your child’s mind when they are engaged in any sort of creative play. The Chakla Belan is a great tool for sparking their imagination.
Life Skills:
Again, a skill with many long term advantages and also a great way to build a sense of identity.
For these and many more reasons, the Chakla Belan is our star product. The House of Zizi wooden Rolling Pin and Rolling Board brings alive the traditional design with a colorful spin. Made of mango wood, using non-toxic paint, the product is environmentally sustainable, water resistant and durable.
And it can be used in so many ways!
Here are some more ideas, other than dough, to try with your child with a Chakla Belan:
Grind grains:
Fill a zip lock bag with biscuits, uncooked pasta, grains, and encourage your child to grind it with a rolling pin. This mess-free sensory activity is a welcoming change for both parents and children.
Rolling Pin painting:
Wrap your Rolling Pin with yarn and dip it in paint. Roll this on art sheet to make some fine texture art. Try different color combinations and your child will enjoy this for hours!
There is never a dull day with this traditional toy and the possibilities are limitless. So what are you waiting for, order your wooden Chakla Belan, a carrier of culture today!