Whole Spectrum of Social, Motor and Sensory Games

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.

• Preface xxiAcknowledgments xxviiIntroduction: The Power of Play and the Synergy of Games 1CHAPTER 1 Spontaneous Games for All Ages 7Playful Learning Games That Can Happen Spontaneously and Often Need Nothing More Than a SmileWaiting Games for Airports, Restaurants, and Doctor’s Offices 8What Would Mary Poppins Do? 8Clarifying Judge 17Can You Say What I Say? 21Who Are We Today? 22Walking Outside Games 23The Benefits of Pretend Play 27Games Just for Little Ones (Ages Two to Seven) 28Count for Cooperation 37Traveling Games 44The Honorable Head Garbage Taker-Outer 45CHAPTER 2 Games for Babies 47Daily Games to Play with Babies to Develop the Brain and Deepen the Adult-Child ConnectionWhat’s in Grandma’s Purse? An Inquiring Toddler Wants to Know 48The Talking Hand 54Than Feelings 57Making Faces with Lance 60Chalk and the Bubbie 68Rings on a Stick (or Something Similar) 72Small Is Nice Too 77CHAPTER 3 Progressive Games for Ages Three to Seven 79Inclusive Games That Use Only One Material to Enhance Multiple SkillsThe Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys 81The “Bring Me” Game 86Beanbag Games 87Blanket Games 94Two-by-Four Games 100Hula-Hoop Games 107Horizontal 111Unusual Gifts That Cost a Little and Please a Lot 115Ladder Games 117Magazine Tube Games 125Inside of Us 131Plastic Bottle Games 131Rope Games 137Rocker Board Games 147Don’t Rush Arnold 154CHAPTER 4 Therapy Games for Ages Three to Twelve 157Home Therapy Games That Enhance the Basic Skill DomainsFine Motor Games 158Gross Motor Games 171Sensory Games 183Social Skills Games 195CHAPTER 5 Short Group Games for Ages Three to Fifteen 207Quick Movement Games That Stimulate Thinking, Feeling, and CreativityChris and the Box 208Short Games for Young Children (Ages Three to Ten) 209You Say What I Say? 214Enticing Nona 215Have Names 223Nikolai Finds Art 226Short Games for Older Kids (Ages Seven to Fifteen) 231To Touch and Be Touched 237Ignoring Clarissa 251Appendix: Home Therapy 253About the Authors 259Index 261