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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.


Mar 25, 2020

Domino Rally Racing

Domino Rally Racing - All the action of the domoin effect in a race track
Have you ever stood dominoes up on end, one after another, and then pushed the first one forward to watch them all fall? That's basically what you have with Domino Rally Racing. There is a lot more in the set up than there is in the action - it's all about the journey. 

The box says "original", so this must be where it all started. This game comes with lots of different pieces, including 150 dominoes, that you will line up close enough that pushing one will trigger the next, and then the next, and then the next to fall. People refer to it as "the domino effect". I won't try to describe all of the pieces here, but I will put a picture of the pieces below under.

Left: Contents of the box.  Right: Image on the back of the box. Try this set up and then make up your own.

Included is an instruction booklet that shows you how to assemble different components of the game, and there is one set-up pictured on the back of the box, but other than that you are on your own. Use your imagination and set up one layout after another. It can be different each time you play. 

Left: Pieces in the box.  Right: One of the pages of instructions. No reading required to follow the instructions.

Set-up can take quite awhile, and after setting off the first domino it will go quickly. Here are a couple simple tips to remember as you build:
  • Don't leave too much space between the dominoes. When one falls it has to be close enough to the next piece to knock it over.
  • Be careful and use a steady hand when setting up your race track. You don't want to inadvertently set it off before you are finished setting it up and have to start all over.
I've also blogged about Domino Rally Treasure Hunt. Check it out here.

Try this:
  • Engage both hands by holding a handful of dominoes in the non-dominant as you use them to set-up with the dominant hand.
  • Pile the dominoes on the table before setting up. As you pick them up, one at a time to set-up, turn them in-hand to position.
  • Re-position yourself around the table for the easiest set-up. Walk around the table and work from different angles as you go, instead of trying to do it all from one location or reaching across dominoes that you might accidentally bump.
  • Work on sorting by color by making each section of dominoes a single color.
  • Take a few breaks to rest your hand/arm if needed as you go. This can be tedious and exacting work.
  • Start with a short path - set them up and knock them down. Then increase a few dominoes at a time, making longer paths over time to increase endurance.
  • Work on visual discrimination, spatial relations, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, coordinated use of both hands, fine motor precision, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.

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