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 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 47Daily 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 79Inclusive 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 157Home 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 207Quick 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