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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!

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Sep 11, 2016

Angelina Ballerina's Dancing Game

Angelina Ballerina's Dancing Game

Work on motor planning, balance and coordination with Angelina Ballerina's Dancing Game, a beginner's ballet dance game. Collect dance cards, each picturing either a ballet step or position, as you advance around the board. Each time you pick a dance card, try the move or position and then put the card on your stage card. Once you have filled your stage card with four dance cards, all eyes are on you as you perform the four moves to make up your own ballet dance. Ballet steps and positions are:
  • First through fifth positions
  • plie
  • arabesque
  • reverence
  • releve
  • sissonne
  • pas de chat
  • temps lie
  • pirouette
  • grand jete
The die is oversized and the colors are purple, pink, green, and yellow.

Try this:
  • Forget the game, just choose four random cards and put them on your stage. Perform the dance.
  • Practice the five positions as a sequence. Try to memorize the positions.
  • Turn it into a memory game. Turn all cards face down on the table. Take turns turning over two cards at a time. If the cards match, take them. After the game, have a dance recital and perform the steps and positions on the cards.
  • Demonstrate the move and then perform it with the individual.
  • Work on balance, gross motor skills and coordination, motor planning, motor sequencing, visual memory, figure ground, executive functioning skills, process skills, socialization skills, creativity, play and leisure exploration and participation
In the box: 1 game board, 4 playing pieces, 4 plastic stands, 4 stage cards, 30 dance cards, 1 die




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