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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 4, 2016

CitiBlocs

CitiBlocs come in hot colors and cool colors.
 
 
If you are looking for games and toys that fit into the STEM category, this one would qualify. CitiBlocs earned the Platinum Best Toy Award from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.
 
This box contains 100 wooden blocks, all the exact same shape and size: approximately 4-5/8" X 1" X 1/4". The plank colors in this box include red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, and are considered hot colors. You can also purchase a separate set that are considered cool colors and include colors like green and blue.
 
 
Included in the box is an instruction guide. This guide shows numerous models you can build to get your imagination going. The majority of these models are completed and step-by-step instructions are not included. The individual will need to be able to "see" the hidden sides of these models to build them. There are 29 completed  models that include seven pages of black and white models. This box contains 100 pieces and 13 of the models take more than 100 pieces. Here are some examples:
 
 
I had a chance to check both boxes, and the box with the cool colors and the box with the hot colors both have the exact same instruction book. So buying both games will not get you any extra model patterns. This game is similar to the Keva Brain Builders. I think this one would come after the Keva game, as this game requires you to build from many completed 2D models and Keva Brain Builders gives you pattern cards for all models with views from three planes.
 
 
Try this:
  • Work on manual dexterity, coordinated use of both hands, graded grasp and release, visual discrimination, spatial relations, visualization, visual closure, visual form constancy, figure ground, balance, motor planning, critical and analytical thinking, creative thinking, planning, play and leisure exploration and participation
 
In the box: 100 wooden planks, instruction guide with patterns and models
 
If you are interested in this game or just want more information, click on the image below.
 

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