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Children learn through play. As an occupational therapist who works with children and youth, I use games and toys almost every day to help develop important cognitive, visual perceptual, motor, sensory, social, play and leisure skills. While many different types of activities can be used in therapy, this blog focuses on off-the-shelf games and toys that are accessible to most. Whether you are a therapist, parent, teacher, or a game lover like me, I hope you discover something useful while you are here. Learn a different way to play a game you already own or discover a new game for your next family game night. Either way, just go play. It's good for you!

The OT Magazine named The Playful Otter one of the Top 5 Pediatric OT Blogs.


Jun 25, 2016

I Spy Ready Set Silhouette

I SPY Ready, Set, Silhouette - Match the colored card to its black silhouette.


The goal is to match the black silhouette cards, in the correct orientation, to the correct picture cards. I was excited about receiving this game as a tool to help improve spatial orientation, but it did not turn out to be the great resource that I had hoped for. For me, the disappointing part about this game is that the front of the silhouette cards are printed in black but the back is red, making it obvious which side is the front and cutting the options for correct placement in half (at least for asymmetrical objects). 

There are 24 sets. One set is a colored picture card and a matching black silhouette card. Find the two cards that go together for each set.

Check out more fun figure ground games at I SPY Games.

Try this:
  • Start simple by giving the child one picture card and the matching silhouette card.  Once he can orient the card correctly, lay several silhouette cards in front of him and give him one picture card. He will choose the silhouette card that matches.
  • Increase the number of silhouette cards on the table to increase the difficulty.  Make sure the cards are turned in different orientations.
  • Hand the child the silhouette cards in a stack and let him practice shifting while laying the cards out for examination.
  • Lay four colored cards on the table and the four silhouette cards. As the player matches each set, add another set so that there are always four to look through. Then up it to six and then eight.
  • Show the individual how to turn the silhouette card in-hand to spin it around while looking for the correct orientation.
  • Show the individual how to focus on one feature, such as a bicycle in the corner, to quickly eliminate other cards from consideration.
  • Leave the silhouette card as well as the patterns cards on the table top while playing. Make sure that matches are in different orientations from each other, requiring the individual to turn the card visually instead of with the hands as he look for matches.
  • Work on visual discrimination, spatial relations, figure ground, in-hand manipulation, manual dexterity, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
In the box: 24 pictures cards and 24 silhouette cards
Ages 5+, 2-4 players

If you are interested in purchasing this item or want further information, click on the link below to go to Amazon.com. 

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