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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.


Jul 15, 2016

Go Fish Go Magnetic Maze

Go Fish Go - A beginner's magnetic maze

Go Fish Go is a simple, beginner's magnetic maze. The fish is constructed of wood and covered with a thick piece of plastic to keep the six balls contained inside. The magnetic tool hangs loose. Hover the magnetic pencil-type tool over the metal ball you want to move and carefully pull the ball through the pathways. There are three circles where balls may be dropped, but there is no specific destination indicated, so player's are free to use their imagination and stop wherever they want. To drop the ball, simply lift the magnetic tool off the plastic and the ball will release. A precursor to the Colorpillar Magnetic Maze and the Gumball Magnetic Maze.

Try this:
  • Call a color and ask the individual to move that ball to one of the round areas.
  • Trace the path you will take with the ball with your eyes before moving it.
  • Move all the blue balls to one area, all the red balls to another. 
  • Work on pencil grip, visual tracing, visual discrimination, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, process skills, executive functioning skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
If you are interested in purchasing this toy or just want more information, click on the image below.

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