The Whole Spectrum of Social, Motor and Sensory Games Using Every Child's Natural Love of Play to Enhance Key Skills and Promote Inclusion

Play is increasingly recognized by neuroscientists and educators as a vital component in brain development, academic success and learning social skills. In this inspiring and useful resource, Barbara Sher provides step-by-step directions for how to use children's natural interests at different stages of their development to help them develop a wealth of sensory motor and social skills. All the games have also been designed to provide plenty of joyful opportunities for encouraging inclusion.

• Offers strategies for helping all kids, but especially those with special needs, to develop social, motor and sensory skills
• Filled with simple games using common materials that can be used by teachers, parents, and caregivers with both individual kids and groups
• Provides explanations and examples of how the games can aid in a child's development

This resource offers parents and teachers a fun and easy way to include all children in activities that will engage all of their senses and promote important skills.

Preface xxi

Acknowledgments xxvii

Introduction: The Power of Play and the Synergy of Games 1

CHAPTER 1 Spontaneous Games for All Ages 7
Playful Learning Games That Can Happen Spontaneously and Often Need Nothing More Than a Smile

Waiting Games for Airports, Restaurants, and Doctor’s Offices 8

What Would Mary Poppins Do? 8

Clarifying Judge 17

Can You Say What I Say? 21

Who Are We Today? 22

Walking Outside Games 23

The Benefits of Pretend Play 27

Games Just for Little Ones (Ages Two to Seven) 28

Count for Cooperation 37

Traveling Games 44

The Honorable Head Garbage Taker-Outer 45

CHAPTER 2 Games for Babies 47
Daily Games to Play with Babies to Develop the Brain and Deepen the Adult-Child Connection

What’s in Grandma’s Purse? An Inquiring Toddler Wants to Know 48

The Talking Hand 54

Than Feelings 57

Making Faces with Lance 60

Chalk and the Bubbie 68

Rings on a Stick (or Something Similar) 72

Small Is Nice Too 77

CHAPTER 3 Progressive Games for Ages Three to Seven 79
Inclusive Games That Use Only One Material to Enhance Multiple Skills

The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys 81

The “Bring Me” Game 86

Beanbag Games 87

Blanket Games 94

Two-by-Four Games 100

Hula-Hoop Games 107

Horizontal 111

Unusual Gifts That Cost a Little and Please a Lot 115

Ladder Games 117

Magazine Tube Games 125

Inside of Us 131

Plastic Bottle Games 131

Rope Games 137

Rocker Board Games 147

Don’t Rush Arnold 154

CHAPTER 4 Therapy Games for Ages Three to Twelve 157
Home Therapy Games That Enhance the Basic Skill Domains

Fine Motor Games 158

Gross Motor Games 171

Sensory Games 183

Social Skills Games 195

CHAPTER 5 Short Group Games for Ages Three to Fifteen 207
Quick Movement Games That Stimulate Thinking, Feeling, and Creativity

Chris and the Box 208

Short Games for Young Children (Ages Three to Ten) 209

You Say What I Say? 214

Enticing Nona 215

Have Names 223

Nikolai Finds Art 226

Short Games for Older Kids (Ages Seven to Fifteen) 231

To Touch and Be Touched 237

Ignoring Clarissa 251

Appendix: Home Therapy 253

About the Authors 259

Index 261

Barbara Sher, M.A., O.T.R., has over 40 years of experience as a teacher and occupational therapist, specializing in pediatrics. She conducts workshops for parents, teachers, therapists, and children around the world and is the author of seven books, including Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders and Self-esteem Games: 300 Fun Activities That Make Children Feel Good about Themselves.