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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.


Jan 1, 2019

Snowtime Snow Shield

An indoor snowball fight.


For those of us who don't have the real thing, or if you have the real thing and it is too cold to be out in it, there's Snowtime Snow Shield, an indoor snowball fight. Snowtime Snow Shield comes with two inflatable shields and six snowballs. Each shield measures about 18.5" long, 14.5" wide and 2.25" deep. On the back of each shield is a nice plastic handle for holding the shield. There are 6 dense, lightweight, plush balls for throwing, each measuring 3" in diameter. You are suppose to be able to wash the balls, but I've never done it. They should hold up well over time. From the picture I thought there might be velcro on the front of the shields for the snowballs to stick to, but there is not.

LEFT: Snowball.  RIGHT:Handle on back.
 Try this:
  • Ask the individual with the shield to stand still. How many times can you hit it with 6 balls?
  • Throw toward a stationary shield and each time you hit the shield, one of the individuals will take one step back. Can you keep hitting the shield as you get further apart? Or have the individual with the shield move between throws so you have to adjust your throw each time. Or have the individual with the shield move while you are throwing at the target.
  • Play cold snowball (like hot potato). Set a timer for a short amount of time and toss the snowball back and forth. When the timer goes off, whoever has the snowball has to perform a task, such as pretend to build a snowman, pretend to ice skate around the room (try twirls or figure eights), run back and forth and pretend to catch snowflakes on the tongue or stand on a wobble board and pretend to snowboard.
  • Play a simple game of catch. When someone catches the snowball, they take one step backward. When someone misses the snowball, they take one step forward. See how far apart you can get and still catch the ball.
  • Set up a plush toy(s) or plush snowman and see how many tries it takes to knock it over. 
  • Set up containers (laundry baskets, paper bags, etc.) around the room and see how many you can land in the containers.
  • Rate your throws: Bad aim, lucky shot, on the mark, too high, too low, too far to the left, too far to the right. Then try again with the new information and adjust your throw.
  • Stand on a wobble board to pretend you are skiing or snowboarding while playing catch and/or throwing at a target. (Assess the appropriateness of a wobble board before using.)
  • Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with two hands (not against the body).
  • Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with the same hand. Throw higher and higher as you get better and better.
  • Practice repeatedly throwing a snowball in the air and catching it with the opposite hand.
  • Work on eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, palmar arch development, coordinated use of both hands, spatial relations/position in space, motor planning, shoulder stability, balance, social interaction skills, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
In the box: 2 inflatable shields, 6 snowballs
 
If you are interested in purchasing this item or just want more information, click on the image below.


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