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Fun easy games for parents and teachers to play with kids of all agesPlay 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 developmentThis 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.

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

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