The Whole Spectrum of Social, Motor and Sensory Games

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