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

by Barbara Sher

Overview

After decades of research, educators now know that play is how children learn. Science has proven that play is a vital component in brain development and that new neural connections are formed when children are playfully engaged.

In this inspiring and easy-to-follow resource, Barbara Sher offers techniques for promoting play in the domains of the senses—such as kinesthetic, visual, tactile, and auditory—as well as the emotional and social realms—awareness of others, sharing, turn taking, cooperative play, and reading social cues. Included are

• A plethora of fun and easy games that use commonly found materials, which can be played and enjoyed with an inclusive population so everyone is included in the fun.
• Multi-sensory games that stimulate brain development and foster the integration of the senses by enhancing motor, social, language, and cognitive skills.
• Ideas for parents, teachers, and counselors on extending play outside the learning environment—including potentially stressful moments, such as waiting or traveling.

The Whole Spectrum of Social, Motor, and Sensory Games presents a rich variety of play activities that enhance learning and development.

Praise for The Whole Spectrum of Social, Motor, and Sensory Games

"A treasure trove of fun activities that support development."

—Lindsey Biel, OTR/L, coauthor, Raising a Sensory Smart Child

"Try these sensory games and rejoice in their many virtues! They are fun, easy, natural, adaptable, and oh, so helpful for getting kids 'in sync.'"

—Carol Kranowitz, author, The Out-of-Sync Child and Growing an In-Sync Child

"Everybody loves to play and everybody wants to be included. Those developing differently will be able to join in the game with peers while at the same time practicing key skills."

—Chantai Snellgrove, Founder/Editorial Director, Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118416693
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/16/2013
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

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.

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Table of Contents

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