Games are another meaningful activity for both children and adults. Like crafts, many games include a motor component such as picking up and moving pieces or dealing and flipping cards. With the exception of single player games, games also involve a social component. Players must work together to follow rules and the sequence of the game. Some games also require players to interact directly with one or more other players by asking or answering questions. Games work well in one-on-one interactions with students and with small groups. Almost any game can have therapeutic value either by the nature of the game or by adding a few modifications. Good games to use in therapy require fine motor manipulation, following directions, sequencing, and taking turns. When playing games, think about how where and how you play the game can affect the therapeutic value. For example, when playing games with a student who also needs proprioceptive input, try playing the game while in quadruped position. Or, for a student working on extending his reach, try modifying game boards and pieces so the game can mounted and played on the wall or slant board. Some games can even be modified to play on a bulletin or cork board by moving pieces using push pins which helps students work on developing a pinch grip and finger strength. Card Games Card games can range from very simple to very complex which makes them a good activity to grade mental or cognitive skills while working on the same fine motor skills. Shuffling and dealing cards helps students work on bilateral coordination while picking up and flipping cards works on pinching and in hand manipulation. Ideas for card games include:
Board Games Almost any board game can be used. Most board games require you to pick up and move small pieces. Students can pick up the pieces the traditional way using their pinch grip. Or, to make it more challenging, ask students to pick up and move pieces using a pair of tweezers. Ideas for board games include:
Paper Games Paper games can be a fun way to work on writing skills. Some paper games like hangman involve writing letters while others like Dot Boxing involve connecting dots. Here are some ideas for using paper games:
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