Squirrel Popper

Squirrel Popper

Squirrel Popper is a fun way to get in some target practice with a fall theme - a squirrel gathering nuts. The squirrel comes with 6 "acorns" that you will launch toward any target you want to set up.

 

To start, set up targets around the room that you want to launch acorns at. Then, place one of the acorn balls in the squirrel's mouth and push it in. The squirrel is made of stiff plastic and it will take some hand strength to push the ball into the mouth and then to squeeze it back out. Now aim toward your target and squeeze the squirrel's stomach to launch the ball. This will take both hands for most people. Balls can travel up to 20 feet, depending on how hard you squeeze and how far you pushed the ball into the squirrel. Not an activity for those with very weak hands. There are lots of different animals to choose from and the balls from one set will fit the others with the exception of the small seasonal sets that are sold in stores like Target. Kids have loved these.

To see a list of fall-themed games, click here.

Try this:

• Measure the distance you can pop the ball.  Go again and see if you can beat your distance.
• Make a large round target and tape it to the door. Divide the circle into several sections (like a bullseye) and assign points to the sections. Aim for the middle, and give points for wherever the ball hits. Play again and try to beat your score by getting closer and closer to the middle on most balls.
• Set up small targets and see if you can knock them over.
• Take the popper outside and aim for targets where you won't accidentally hit and break something (keep away from dogs or animals who might chew and/or swallow them).
• Set up targets on a level plane at equal distances, then a variety of elevated planes at equal distances, then at different distances.
• Set up buckets at different distances and aim to get them into the buckets.
• Hang (or hold up) a hula hoop and see how far back you can stand and still pop them through the hoop.
• Set up empty pop cans on the picnic table or ledge and see how many you can knock over.
• Make a game out of picking up the balls that fly astray (there will probably be lots) to make it seem less like work and more like fun. For instance give a point for each ball collected.
• Work on spatial relations/position in space, hand and finger strength, eye-hand coordination, coordinated use of two hands, manual dexterity, play exploration and participation 
   
  

If you are interested in purchasing a popper/extra balls/target, or just want more information, click on one of the images below to go to Amazon.com.

Animal Memo by Plan Toys

Animal Memo by Plan Toys is a pretty basic memory/concentration game. Twenty-four pieces (12 pairs), two matching pieces per pair, all animals. The pieces are made of wood and are curved on one side so that they will actually rock a little when face-down. Pieces are ~ 2" x 2" and will stand up on-end. There is also a cloth white bag with a rope tie in the box to store the pieces in.

• MEMORY - Mix the pieces and place all the tiles in a grid formation, face-down on the table. Each player, in turn, will turn over two tiles. If they match, the player may remove them from the grid and place them by their side. If they don't match, turn them face-down again in their original position. Play moves to the next player and continues until all tiles have been claimed. Player with the most tiles is the winner.
• CONCENTRATION - Mix the pieces and place them face-up in a grid. Take turns gathering the animals in pairs. Someone might give clues such as this animal is purple, or this animal is a tiny insect that you might spot on a leaf or you hear this animal screeching and see him swinging from tree to tree.

To read more about why memory games are so popular, read my post Memory Games. Why are They so Popular? This post also has links to the other memory games I have blogged about. 

Try this:

• Place the animals in a jumbled pile, with the pictures turned this way and that. Ask the individual to pair them up. Can they recognize the different animals in different orientations?
• Place two or more animals in a line in front of the individual. Give him the match to one of the animals and ask him to pick the piece that is the same as the one he is holding.
• Ask the player to stand the pieces up on end in pairs.
• Place several (2-4) animals in a line in front of a player. Ask him to look at the animals and remember the sequence. Practice saying the names out loud in order. Tell the player to look at them to remember, not just casually glance at them. Turn them face-down. Present the match to one of the animals. Ask the player to turn over the one he thinks will match it. 
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, visual memory, figure ground, visual form constancy, spatial relations, manual dexterity, socialization skills, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation 
  

In the box: 24 pieces, white cloth bag