Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • Motor Smart Kids
    • Continuing Education
    • FREE Resources
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Corona Virus (Covid-19) Response / Move to Telehealth

Star Wars Light Saber Action – A Great Idea from a Kiddo

May 18, 2012 by Stacy Menz

image retrieved from: geardiary.com

I thought I would share another idea one of our kids came up with.  I love their imaginations!  This kiddo is always ‘helping’ us come up with ideas for our group and although we haven’t tried this one yet (still considering logistics) I just had to share it because he put a ton of thought into it before he presented it to us.

His idea was to have a Star Wars Light Saber battle.  He informed us we would need 2 pool noodles (one red and one blue), 2 hula hoops and 2 balls.  These second items did not have specific colors associated with them.  I was pretty much able to figure out what the pool noodles were for (i.e. light sabers) so I asked what the hula hoops were for.  He looked at me with the look only a kid can give that clearly said ‘duh’ while he patiently explained that they were for the two kids to stand in so they knew where their battle positions were.  I decided to brave him thinking I was an idiot so I asked what the balls were for and again he patiently explained that they were to throw at your opponent.

At this point I figured I saw a flaw in the plan – how could they ‘battle’ with light sabers while throwing balls and if they missed they would have to step outside their battle positions (i.e. hula hoops).  You could tell he had not thought of this dilemma, so after a minute he stated that the balls were for when their light sabers ran out of energy (I am assuming that its for if one of the kiddos drop it outside their battle positions).

Now although we haven’t tried this game yet I am not completely opposed to it.  We may not use it in group but I may use it during this kiddo’s PT time and try to lure one of our unsuspecting student interns into battle with him!

The reason I love that he came up with this idea is that this kiddo is working on many of the skills that this game could help him practice.

  • He is working on keeping his standing balance (he is practicing walking and doing things without his assistive device).
  • He is working on engaging both hands in an activity for bilateral coordination.  He would have to do this while holding onto the pool noodle for his battle (as well as having to maintain his balance because if he falls he’s outside the battle position).
  • He is working on squatting down to the ground which he would have to do to pick up the ball once his light saber falls out of his hands, or to pick up the light saber if it fell within the hula hoop.
  • He is working on visually attending to something while using gross motor and that would be key if he is engaged in ‘battle’ with another ‘opponent’ whether through use of the light saber or the ball.
  • He is working on ball skills so this would come out with throwing the ball or attempting to catch the ball if his opponent threw it at him (I think I would add in the bombardment rules that if you catch the ball you are safe).
  • And best of all is that we can practice these skills with him over and over because we can prep him for ‘battle’ which would be at a date a bit out so that we can make a bigger production of it.  I love when kids come up with their own motivation!

Has anyone played a game like this?  Any suggestions or ways to enhance it?  I will share photos and/or video of our final result once we have everything in place (I don’t even know if they make red pool noodles).

Related

Filed Under: Developmental Milestones Tagged With: balance, bilateral coordination, gross motor development, imagination, strengthening

Search

Subscribe To Our Emails

Subscribe and receive access to our FREE products, incredible list of pdfs, websites, readings, and many other useful recommendations!

Primary Programs

  • Motor Smart Kids
    • Free Play
    • Kids Action Hour
    • Yoga for Kids of All Abilities
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • Video Running Analysis
    • Youth Sports Injury Prevention
    • Concussion Screening and Management
  • Continuing Education
    • PNF 1: Introduction to PNF
    • PNF 2: Accessing the Trunk
    • Strength Training in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Resources
    • Telehealth
    • Informational Handouts
    • Useful Websites
    • Recommended Readings
    • Helpful Products
    • Blogs to Follow
    • Favorite Therapy Products at amazon.com

What Clients Are Saying

“My child has been diagnosed with hypotonia, we brought him to Starfish Physical Therapy since he was 8 months, he started from not moving at all, to crawling, to a little walker, he is now 3 years old running around everywhere with confidence and happiness. We can see his obvious improvement , that just tears us up sometimes! Every exercise he did in each session and everything the therapist thought he was applying into his daily life. Moreover, Starfish therapists are so nice and loving, the session is not just a therapy activity anymore, it becomes a part of our family life, the most important exciting activity for my son every week. Starfish is our family!! We feel so lucky to have Starfish helping our son, the endless effort you provided to him, changed his life. As a parent, nothing is more grateful than this.”

Recent Blog Posts

  • Occupational Therapy Round-Up
  • Should I Be Concerned?
  • Dr. Seuss Books and Activities
  • More Ideas for Catching
  • Book Inspired Activities

Disclaimers

  • Full Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Patient Notice
  • Accessibility Statement

Search

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Intake Forms
  • Starfish Resources
  • Our Services

Clinical Resources

  • Career Opportunties
  • Continuing Education

Contact

  (650) 638-9142
  (650) 638-9141
  admin@starfishtherapies.com

Join Our Online Community

Location

BURLINGAME
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010

© Copyright 2023 Starfish Therapies · All Rights Reserved · Powered by babaLucas

 

Loading Comments...