By Holly Burns
Staff Writer

A new product that is part toy and part educational tool is now available from its Mount Pleasant-based developer. Former pediatric nurse and gymnastics teacher Elspeth Robertson says the product, Kikaflik, aims to teach children the basics of coordination, balance and timing skills while still allowing them to have fun.

“It’s very well documented that teaching children coordination skills is generally fairly boring,” says David Blues, CEO of Kikaflik Inc., which recently opened on Bowman Road in Mount Pleasant. “This way, they’re having a good time and getting some exercise, as well as honing important skills.”

Based on the simple lever principle, Kikaflik is essentially a strong piece of plywood with a pivot positioned at one third of its length and a foam ball at the end. When a child stomps down on the short end of the piece of wood, the ball flies upward and the child must catch it—or, as his or her skill level progresses, swing at it with a baseball or tennis racket.

The product, which has recently been licensed by the Little League for use as a training device, also includes different size foam balls and a timing option to add levels of difficulty.

“It looks simple but it exercises your whole body,” says Blues. “It’s very physical.”

Priced at $30, Kikaflik is available for purchase at Kikaflik Inc., 1156 Bowman Rd., Mount Pleasant. Call 822-0388 or visit www.kikaflik.com.

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