When you’re setting up to build a Ball run using blocks, the size ball you pick makes a big difference. If you’re playing with a very small child, you need a ball that is not a choking hazard. If you’re working with a young builder, you need something that won’t be frustratingly heavy or light. But if your run is tall and elaborate, you need something that will not knock over your structure along the way.
Above is a size comparison with the three sizes of Grimms Balls next to a 4cm Grimms cube; this is the size that comes in the large stepped pyramid and others of their “large” scale building sets.
At the top left in the image above are the Grimms Marbles. These come in a set of 35, and are much too small for little children (choking hazard) but also can be frustrating for them in a ball run as they don’t have a lot of momentum because they are so light. They are a great choice if you’re building an intricate, tall run where you need to ensure your ball-of-choice does not bulldoze the structure
In the bottom left corner is one of the “small balls”. The Grimms Small Balls come in a set of 12–and still are a choking hazard, but for most ball run builders age 4+ this is the easiest size to work with. They’re big enough to have momentum to get moving and keep going, but won’t demolish a reasonably sturdy structure. These are the most versatile choice by far.
The bottom right ball comes from the original Grimms Balls set–it comes in a set of 6 and is the only size that is not a choking hazard. These are pretty big and heavy for most ball runs, but have their place when you need something with a lot of momentum.
This run shows off all three ball sizes on the same build–notice the difference in speed and sound between them. Below I’ve included links with runs tailored specifically to each of the three sizes.
And one extra–This one I’m partial to because it sorts the balls by size!
Which is your favorite size to work with? Please let me know if you have any questions!
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Can you use glass marbles?
hi! sure! i prefer wood because they’re not has heavy and less likely to dent the blocks. but you could absolutely use glass too!