Friday, July 26, 2013

Snakes and Ladders

Targets:  I used this game to target sight words.  But like most therapy activities it could be modified to target almost anything: particular sounds, words, questions...


What you'll need:

  • Computer to create the game board
  • Printer
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Pen
  • Dice (I couldn't find any dice so I downloaded a dice app on my smartphone-he loved getting to use my phone in therapy!)
  • Game pieces (I used two small plastic dinosaurs-you could use almost any small object)

How to create:
I created this game board using a table on a Word document.  I made the squares alternating colors that corresponded to a set of colored cards that I printed out.  After printing, I hand drew the snakes in-though you could easily find a snake graphic online to insert (or any graphic for a theme that suits the child's interests).

For long-lasting use I would recommend laminating the board/cards.  You could use the same board multiple times with numerous clients by having different sets of target words/sounds on hand.
 
How to play: 
Take turns rolling the dice and moving the pieces accordingly.  For each space landed on, have the child draw a corresponding color card.  The child must at least attempt (or correctly produce) the word on the card to keep his piece on the space.  For maximum production, I had my client draw cards for the spaces that I landed on as well.  First one to the top wins!


Thursday, July 4, 2013

Starwars Bowling


Targets:  
Short motivational activities are great in between drilling.  And it gives the kiddos a chance to get up out of their seat for 30 seconds (extra necessary for boys).

Bowling can be easily customized to suit the child's interests (superheros, animals, barbie, pokemon, etc.).  My client loved Starwars so I printed out some popular characters and taped them to the pins.


You could also tape sounds/words to the pins-whatever they knock down they have to produce.


What you'll need:
  • Plastic bowling set
  • Printer
  • Paper
  • Tape

How to play: 
Bowling is a quick and easy activity.  Just set it up in the corner of the room and and let the child know that after X number of drill cards he/she will get to have a turn.

"Who can you knock down?" I'd ask.

Needless to say, he loved it.