A wide selection of fun and novel games to do at home or in the classroom that can improve the social lives of children with ASD or other SPDs.
Games can be played by parents or teachers and with individual children or groups.
Games are designed to make children more comfortable in social situations and to develop motor and language skills
Included is a large variety of interactive games to play in water, whether in a backyard kiddie pool, community swimming pool, ocean or lake. These original ideas aren't found other places and can be perfect for aqua or hydrotherapy programs as well as one-on-one at home.
All the games are easy-to-do, utilizing common, inexpensive materials--things easily found around the home or school.
Each game explains the lessons playfully learned and ways of modifying the games so that everyone, including siblings and friends, regardless of skill level and sensibility, can play along.
Testimonials
REVIEWS for EARLY INTERVENTION PLAY
"This book brims with sparkling ideas to help children learn the pleasures of engaging in back and forth play and becoming comfortable and capable in water games. Barbara's warm advice and cool activities invite us to dive right in!
Carol Kranowitz, author, The Out-of-Sync Child
"These brilliantly creative games may not look like interventions because they're just fun, fun, fun for children. Barbara Sher is gifted in her ability to weave therapy into play while deeply respecting the strengths and uniqueness of each child. In this her latest book, she artfully explains how everyone can support children with autism and sensory processing challenges through games that are practical, low-budget, and engaging for both child and adult. Her gentle, welcoming ways pull out the best in children as she shows us how to playfully play."
Mary Sue Williams, co-author of the "How Does Your Engine Run?"® Alert Program® for Self-Regulation
"Early Intervention Games takes a unique approach with its emphasis on playful activities. Barbara Sher's games and ideas are simple, fun, and wonderful tools for therapists working with children who have Sensory Processing or Autism Spectrum Disorders."
Dr. Lucy Jane Miller Ph.D., OTR, Executive Director Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
"In this book for all sensory children, Barbara Sher clearly explains what sensory issues are in language that is easy to understand and provides exercises that professionals and parents can organize with minimal preparation or expense. The strength of this book is that the purpose of each sensory game is clearly delineated so that activities can be readily matched to a child's needs. This is a wonderful resource for professionals and families looking for ways to have fun with our sensory kids while simultaneously building all-important social, motor, sensory, and self-advocacy skills that will last a lifetime."
Zosia Zaks, M.S., M.Ed., CRC; author of Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults (AAPC 2006), consultant, advocate, teacher, and parent of two sensory children.
"Barbara Sher has done it again! Social Skills Games for ASD and SPD is a gem! Respect for the child and the family reverberates through each page! Understanding of ASD and SPD is enhanced through easy to read definitions, goals and learning strategies. We all have a universal need to be a part of a community and Barbara shares how we can support successful socialization in our children with tried and true strategies from many disciplines. Wonderful job Barbara; I can't wait to try out the ideas!"
Paula Aquilla
author: Sensory Bridges Through Learning
"Once again, Barbara Sher gifted us with a jam-packed collection of games for hours of purposeful fun, this time for children with social skills challenges. In this collection, each game is thoughtfully and lovingly designed to bring out the beautiful and often hidden side of our children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder).
Whether used at home, in the classroom, in the therapy clinic or at camp, these games offer adults wonderful ways to help these children overcome social obstacles and build confidence from a very early age."
EARLY INTERVENTION PLAY is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and therapists alike. It's no wonder Barbara Sher is The Games Lady. Thank you for sharing your creativity and love with all of us. EARLY INTERVENTION PLAY is is a winner!
Ida Zelaya, Sensory Street, Inc.
"I am always in search of “fun” activities that encourage the multi-sensory piece and allow children to learn through play We play with our children almost every day and it saddens me that due to our busy schedules and therapy for our son we lose time to play. Now is the critical time to develop the roots to success and play is the only way to create that for our children. They are being robbed so much already of their youth, play is the only piece that gives them their childhoods back to them. Through Barbara’s book she is giving that gift back. I can’t thank her enough for her great book!"
Lori Fankhanel
Founder and President of Sensory Processing Disorder Canada
MORE REVIEWS for BARBARA'S OTHER BOOKS and WORKSHOPS (click once to expand)
Click again to hide this section
"...her book on games and making toys with everyday items ..has been
extremely useful for our Special Needs and Preschool staff." -- K. Thomas, Save the Children, Wanchai, Hong Kong "
"...could be used by family members at home or by interventionists or therapists in the classroom, home or clinic." -- H.Harrison, Assoc Dir, Univ Affiliate Program NET New Mexico
"...exactly what the children and the adult learners needed! ...the
staff continue to make toys and playtime has increased. [Barbara] would
never run out of work if [she] could stay in Cambodia permanently..." -- B Jordan, Handicapa International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
"As long as there are educators around at the calibre of Barbara,
many people will have the opportunity to be all they can be and enjoy
the journey." -- P. Kindles-Ford, Choctaw Indians Family and Education Center, Conehatta,
Mississippi
"Barbara Sher's new book Attention Games is just the
sort of fresh contribution we need right now in a culture gone mad with
labeling kids as "ADHD." Her simple games and activities are
wonderful for helping kids of all ages focus their attention while learning
new things, thinking in new ways, and exploring the world around them.
Parents, if you believe your child is inattentive, think Attention Games
first, and Ritalin later (much later!)."
-- Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D.
author The Myth of the A.D.D. Child: 50 Ways to Improve Your Child's
Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion, and ADD/ADHD
Alternatives in the Classroom.
Attention, please! These sensory-rich activities are sensational! They will
encourage kids to relate purposefully to others and participate wholeheartedly
in the world around them as they focus intentionally on novel experiences
and ideas.
-- Carol S. Kranowitz, M.A. Author: The Out-of-Sync Child
"The workshops were very exciting and provided a lot of opportunity
for participant activity, involvement and fun....the activities presented
were practical and fun ways to increase motor planning,strength and coordination.
The versatile activities and techniques learned could be used by family members
at home or by interventionist or therapist in the classroom, home or clinic"
--Holly Harrison , Associate Director, University Affiliated Program,
NET New Mexico
"I think we were very privileged to have Ms. Sher. i was amazed at
how many simple and practical ideas she was able to share with us in such
a short time. Following her visit, we obtained a copy of her books on games
and making toys with everyday item which has been extremely useful for our
special needs and preschool staff. I highly recommend Ms, Sher as an excellent
and inspirational trainer."
-- Karen Thomas, SCF,Special Needs Coordinator, Save The Children,
Wanchai, Hong Kong
"I met Ms. Sher in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was making a
presentation to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' family and Child Education
Conference. It is putting it lightly to say that I have been touched by Barbara
Sher. As an educator for thirty years, I am enthused by her inward enthusiasm,
It comes out and grabs you. Her evident joy of and for life makes you move.
Finally I', blessed because I know that as long as there are educators around
the caliber of Barbara, many people will have the opportunity to be all that
they can be and enjoy the journey"
-- Patricia Kindles-Ford, Choctaw Indians family and Education center,
Conehatta, Mississippi
In my business as a continuing education provider for occupational, physical
and speech therapists and special educators, I have had her teach at a multi-disciplinary
symposium. I know from the evaluations by participants that the high level
of expertise in her field and her communication abilities were recognized
and appreciated. Participants were very positive about their learning experience
with Ms. Sher"
-- Eileen Richter, Professional Development Programs, Minnesota
Who is Barbara Sher?
Barbara Sher
has been working as a private practitioner with pediatric to geriatric
patients and as a workshop leader and occupational therapist since 1967.
She is the author of nine books and one CD/tape on activities for children.
Her books have been translated into 8 languages; Italian, French, Spanish,
Chinese, Estonian, Arabic, Russian and Swedish, She has written numerous
articles for publications such as in Mothering Magazine, Advance magazine,U.K's
Kinded Spirit and on-line zine Writers Grrls. She is also the recipient of
the World Rehabilitation Fund, "International Exchange of Experts".
Barbara lives and works on the island of Saipan
and Tinian and has given workshops on other Micronesian islands under the
auspices of the University of Hawaii.
Barbara is the mother of Roxanne and
Marissa, the step mother of Jessica and the grandmother of Griffin, Maxwell and Oliver.
Hear directly from Barbara herself:
The "Sushi Game" to stimulate vestibular and proprioceptive systems
The "Shape Game" to enhance cognition
The "Comb the Sand Game" to encourage calmness and turn taking
The "Hot Tub Game" for fine motor skills and sharing
The "London Bridges Game" in Hydrotherapy for following rules and anticipating action
Barbara's Latest: Playful Moments (Available here and Amazon.com!)
Barbara's books and CDs are invaluable
resources designed and developed to help your child reach his or her full potential.
Playful Moments
ISBN-13:978-0-615-28652-5; 56 pages; 5.5" x 8"
Play is a powerful learning tool. When children are engaged, they naturally focus and learn.
Neuroscientists have shown that actual brain development happens when children are having fun.
You don't need lots of times to play games with your child, just an easy idea and a good mood.
PLAYFUL MOMENTS can give you over 50 ideas for spontaneous play.
Homegrown Baby (Available here and Amazon.com!)
Barbara's books and CDs are invaluable
resources designed and developed to help your child reach his or her full potential.
Homegrown Baby
"Gentle ways of enriching babies intelligence and laying a foundation for mastering coordination, language and dressing skills"
"Your book is wonderful—full of great information presented in a very user-friendly format-- and one we will suggest to
professionals for use in their work with families.--
Claire Lerner, LCSW-C, Director of Parenting Resource, ZERO TO THREE
Attention Games
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
"Barbara Sher's new book Attention Games is
just the sort of fresh contribution we need right now in a culture gone
mad with labeling kids as 'ADHD.' Her simple games and activities are
wonderful for helping kids of all ages focus their attention while learning
new things, thinking in new ways, and exploring the world around them.
Parents, if you believe your child is inattentive, think Attention Games
first, and Ritalin later (much later!)."
Thomas
Armstrong, Ph.D. author of The Myth of the A.D.D. Child:
50 Ways to Improve Your Child's Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs,
Labels, or Coercion,
and ADD/ADHD Alternatives in the Classroom.
"Attention, please!
These sensory-rich activities are sensational! They will encourage kids to
relate purposefully to others and participate wholeheartedly in the world
around them as they focus intentionally on novel experiences and ideas."
Carol S. Kranowitz, M.A., author of The Out-of-Sync Child
If you want to focus children's attention, you first have to capture their
interest. Attention Games is filled with interesting and child-tested activities
that can help children of all ages become better at focusing and paying attention.
By sharing the upbeat, joyful activities in Attention Games, you can enhance
your child's intelligence, boost his confidence, increase his ability to
concentrate on one thing for long periods, and show that you care. Developed
by Barbara Sher parent, teacher, play therapy specialist and pediatric occupational
therapist these activities are specially designed to encourage kids to expand
their powers of attention in ways that will help them throughout their lives.
Developed by Barbara Sher over the course of thirty years as a parent, teacher,
and play-therapy specialist, this collection of 101 delightful, easy-to-follow
games helps children use their bodies to master essential mental skills and
concepts. You and your family can play virtually anywhere, with any number
of participants, and without special preparation or equipment. So gather
the children in your life and get ready to have fun as you open their minds
and hearts to new experiences and knowledge.
SPECIAL SECTIONS HIGHLIGHT:
Encouraging movement and thinking
Improving motor and social skills
Enhancing
language and math skills
Fostering parent-child interaction
Building
on children's love of fantasy, action, and rhythm
MORE...
See ALL Barbara's books (click once to expand)
Click again to hide this section
Smart Play
Smart Play
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
FROM THE CRITICS:
Children's Literature
- Marcie Flinchum Atkins:
"This book for teachers and parents is divided up
into five different sections. The five sections feature games that enhance
visual-spatial skills, verbal-language skills, math skills, kinesthetic skills,
and interpersonal skills. Each section is further split into games for different
age levels. The games use materials that are common items that most people
would have in their homes.
Some games are good for a parent and a child to
do together at home. Some games would work in a small classroom setting with
teachers and students. The book features activities that can be quiet games
to play indoors, but it also has lots of more active games to play outside.
This book is full of diverse games that have a purpose.
Recommended for parents
and teachers who want to engage in meaningful play with children".
Books - Smart Play
101 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE EVERY DAY A SPECIAL DAY! Children who move their
bodies as part of the learning process are more stimulated and alert -- and
they retain more of what they are taught. By sharing the upbeat, joyful activities
in Smart Play, you can enhance your child's intelligence, boost his or her
confidence, teach academic and motor skills, and provide a lasting foundation
for learning. Hoops
This collection of 101 delightful, easy-to-follow games
helps children use their bodies to master essential mental skills and concepts.
You and your family can play virtually anywhere, with any number of participants,
and without special preparation or equipment. So gather the children in your
life and get ready to have fun as you open their minds and hearts to new
experiences and knowledge.
SPECIAL SECTIONS HIGHLIGHT:
Encouraging movement
and thinking
Improving motor and social skills
Enhancing language and
math skills --Fostering parent-child interaction
Building on children's
love of fantasy, action, and rhythm
Self-Esteem Games
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Gisela Jernigan
"As expressed in
the title, and further explained in the introduction, this useful collection
describes games and activities that help kids see and appreciate how unique
and special they are. The games are divided into three sections: Being unique!,
Getting to know me!, and Sharing who I am!. Each section is further divided
into chapters, such as My Feelings and Learning to Trust. Among many new
games are some old favorites like Did you Ever See a Lassie? and Group Hug.
Includes an index and closing thoughts.
Reviewed by S. Latson.:
Books - Self Esteem Games
Self-esteem games show children how wonderful it can be to be themselves
emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually. By sharing the upbeat,
thoughtful activities in Self-esteem Games, you can reinforce your child's
positive feelings and provide a lasting foundation for learning. Developed
by Barbara Sher over the course of thirty years as a parent, teacher, and
playtherapy specialist, this collection of 300 self-esteem-building ideas
requires no special preparation or equipment. You and your family can play
virtually anywhere, with any number of participants. So come in, relax, and
discover the joy.
This collection
of simple games encourages children to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses,
express feelings, build relationships, and develop confidence. There are
games for all group sizes of children aged three through twelve. Most of
the games require little or no materials-just a playful attitude. Most of
the activities would also be appropriate for children in PreK through second
grade. The book is organized by themes, and each activity includes a code
to help the leader select activities by age and size of the group".
SPECIAL SECTIONS HIGHLIGHTS:
Knowing your strengths and
abilities
Expressing everyday feelings and reactions
Enjoying being unique
-- like everyone else!
Building relationships by being with friends and
trusting others
Building confidence by getting to know your body and senses.
Spirit Games
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Carlee Hallman
"You will find this book a helpful resource. The author, a mother
with a broad background in child development, works as an occupational
therapist. The book presents creative games and activities to lighten the
mood or spirit of a person or group.
The games are coded for age groups in sections labeled
for mental outlook. For "Young Ones" in the "More Joy, Please!" section
it is suggested that the young child enjoy a place of refuge under a table
or in an empty appliance box, where special things can be kept, such as a
pillow, blanket, or paper and markers. For "Middle Ones" in the "Making
Magic" section directions are given for asking leading questions to
help the child see her dream of life more clearly. For "Older Teens" in
the "When I'm Angry" section, a set of cards with sentences which
could change his mood may be drawn out of a box.
Some sentences can be helpful,
such as "I was doing my best," "Bad times don't last forever," or "I
can love myself even if I am not perfect." For "All Ages" in
the "When I'm Sad" section family songs may be helpful in times
of sorrow. The title may put some people off, but this book provides many
unusual and fresh ideas to improve relationships"
Chinaberry Catalogue Staff
"Imagine a book that you can take down from the shelf whenever your nerves are fried, your six-year-old is angrily pushing the toddler down the stairs, and your teen is holed up in his room with a broken heart. One book, small and unassuming, holds such a wealth of wisdom, with games/activities/rituals to cultivate joy and well-being, no matter what is happening."
300 quick, Simple Ways to Make Every Day a Happier Day! Spirit games
make children feel brighter and more confident. By tapping into children's
natural delight, spirit games restore the sparkle to their eyes. By sharing
the upbeat activities in Spirit Games, you can encourage your child's self-esteem
and provide a lasting foundation for happiness.
This collection of 300 wise
and nurturing ideas fosters parent-child interaction and requires no special
preparation or equipment. Play these games with your family,or any children
you cherish, to increase the level of joy in their lives.
Spirit Games
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
Books - Easy Going Games
A book chock full of a variety of activities to play with three simple
materials, newspapers, socks and hula-hoops. These activities designed by
a occupational therapist with 39 years experience build motor, social and
cognitive skills and stress cooperation rather than competition. But from
a child's point of view, they are just enormous fun!
Extraordinary Play with Ordinary Things
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
Reviews for Extraordinary Play with Ordinary Things:
"I've used this book a lot! We've come up with great birthday party activities
from this-- or rainy-day boredom busters. One 4-yr-old child who had just
had a $400 chuck-e-cheese birthday asked if she could have her party in my
back yard next year! The obstacle course suggestions alone are worth buying
this book. This book will educate you to look at your recycables in a new
way. After reading this-- my own ideas flourished as well. In fact, every
item in your house will start to reveal it's play possibilities to you. Anyone
who has watched a kid play with a cardboard box or tube for hours will appreciate
this book. Some of the things we have made from recyclables and found objects
have been played with more than most other toys in our house."
"This is definitely the book to have around when the "I don't
have anything to do" whinnies hits. I am not exaggerating when I say
that the book is packed with great ideas "
Extraordinary Play with Ordinary Things
700 activities that enrich children's development using everyday "throwaways".
Empty milk cartons, newspaper, string, cans, mismatched socks and other ordinary
things become the building blocks for enthralling play. These activities
help build motor skills, encourage cognitive/social development and stress
cooperation rather than competition. But all that kids will care about is
that they are heaps of fun.
SPECIAL SECTIONS HIGHLIGHTS:
Learn the basic
motor skill of balance, eye-hand coordination, motor planning, spatial
awareness and others
Learn which games enhance these skills
Take ordinary materials
such a milk cartons, string, boxes,cans,wood and garden hose and see how
to make a fun learning game from whatever you have handy
Learn games for
children in wheelchairs to play
Understand the developmental sequence of
motor development and know at what age to present which games
28 Instant Song Games
ISBN-13: 9780974531342; 196 pages; 5.5" x 8.5"
CDs - 28 Instant Song Games
MaBoAubLo and Barbara Sher MS, OTR-
28
Instant Songames - musical, fun-filled activities that help children develop
mind, body, and spirit. Includes 28 songs on compact disk and a companion
booklet filled with wonderful activities for home and school. Helps children
develop their senses, coordination, body awareness, self-esteem, and social
skills. Appropriate for children of all abilities, ages 3 to 8.
More than 60 minutes of music
Award-winning
Parent APPROVED
Kid-friendly
Non-competitive
Magical, musical fun!
"These fun and functional musical games give children time - time
to learn, time to practice, and time to get in sync with other players.."
-Carol Kranowitz, MA, author of The Out-of-Sync Child and The Goodenoughs
Get in Sync
Regular Price: $19.95
Sale Price: $11.97
- While supplies last!
Barbara teaches a wide variety of workshops based on her popular
publications. If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please contact
us.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS:
SELF-ESTEEM GAMES:
Games for children that Make them feel good
about themselves Participants learn how to: help children know their strengths
and abilities show children ways of expressing feelings and reactions help
them build relationships with others enhance their appreciation for their
uniqueness build their confidence by getting to know their body and senses
"Group
leadership skills displayed by Barbara were exceptional and her books provide
a lasting resource. The world, struggling to achieve normalization for all,
needs Barbara's skills; her teaching ability and sensitive personality, make
her able to deliver quality education to a diverse population regardless
of geographical location"
Jan Pessione, New Zealand registered Occupational
Therapist, central Otago Health Board, New Zealand
EXTRAORDINARY
PLAY WITH ORDINARY THINGS:
Games and learning toys that use recyclable and
throwaways material to enhance play, sensory integration, motor skills and
academic awareness. Participants learn how to: use their own throwaways or
found-in-nature materials to make toys and games make the toys that meet
children's developmental needs starting with infancy play games that reinforce
the 17 motor skills needed for good coordination learn original inter-active
songs and movement to enhance circle time understand how playing helps the
learning process.
"We were delighted to attend a workshop run by Barbara
Sher on the theme of play with recyclables. The session proved informative,
totally participative and moreover great fun--all the ingredients for a good
learning experience"
-- Margaret Webb, Executive Director, Play Right,
Chai Wan, Hong Kong
DIFFERENT DRUMMERS, SAME SONG
Inclusive games
for children of differing skill levels or ages to play together that promote
cognitive/academic skills Participants learn how to: modify games so that
all children can play together encourage children with special needs to feel
part of the group make games out of easy to find or free materials play games
so that the games are learned at a sensory level so they are easy to remember
understand how academic skills can be taught with fun movements and away
from sitting at desks.
"Barbara's style of presentation was very clear and
at a level where everyone understood what she was saying. We appreciated
the way she involved herself with the participants while doing the various
activities. the information she brought to the teachers was very new and
many of them have already put into practice some of the skills and ideas
they learnt at the workshops. Because of the tremendous expertise she has,
Barbara is a very valuable resource person and would be a great asset to
any future workshops"
-- Jean Crane, pacific Preschool coordinator,
The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
ATTENTION GAMES
Games to help children learn to focus their attention Participants learn
how to: understand the difference between global and focused attention and
how to encourage both enhance a child's focusing skills from infancy to teenage
years use spontaneous moments to reinforce attentive abilities produce novel
games and materials from everyday experiences and materials.
Free Downloads
Want a free game idea each week? Easy fun games that can be played
spontaneously or with stuff around the house? Sign
up here!
All products are shipped to the US and US territories via United States
Postal Service Priority Mail (Delivery time= 7-10 days). If you would prefer
bulk or book rate, please contact us.
Products shipping to countries outside of the United States are shipped
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Guarantee
100% Money Back Guarantee: All products come with a 60-day 100% money back guarantee. If you decide that
your selected product does not suit your needs, Please contact us within 60 days of your purchase date and your money will be refunded in full.
Return Policy
Returns Policy: Within 60 days of receipt of your order, you may return to us the following:
any book in its original condition; any media (CD, cassette tape, VHS tape, or software);
and any other merchandise that's in new good condition along with accessories.
Our address to send check and money order payments is:
Barbara Sher
P.O. Box 10001, PMB 6
Saipan, MP 96950
Contact Barbara
Barbara Sher
P.O. Box 10001, PMB 6
Saipan, MP 96950
Barbara Sher
has been working as a private practitioner with pediatric to geriatric
patients and as a workshop leader and occupational therapist since 1967.
700 activities that enrich children's development using everyday "throwaways".
Empty milk cartons, newspaper, string, cans, mismatched socks and other ordinary
things become the building blocks for enthralling play. These activities
help build motor skills, encourage cognitive/social development and stress
cooperation rather than competition. But all that kids will care about is
that they are heaps of fun.
