With everything happening virtually now a days therapists have needed to get creative in new ways with keeping their kids involved and engaged. We thought we’d share with you some ideas we’ve found successful for keeping these kids moving, active, and challenged with games that can be developed using minimal tools. Here’s just a few of our ideas, what have others come up with?
Hide and Seek –
This version of this game was made using a marker, some paper cups, and a handful of marbles. Each cup has an exercise or pose or activity geared towards the kiddo’s goals or areas of need. You can make a theme like in the animal cups above and you can include a number (as on the right) or not! Game play is simple. There is a marble under each cup and we are looking for a specific one. We have to do the activity on the cup before we can look underneath!
The smiley face for this particular one was very motivating and if you play it up the kids can be super excited to uncover another cup to see what’s underneath!
Secret Message/Code –
This game just utilizes a white board, dry erase marker and post it notes! You can easily use a piece of paper or cardboard instead of the whiteboard if that’s not accessible to you. This game works by solving the “puzzle” on each post it note to reveal what’s underneath. When all the post it notes are “solved” the secret message is displayed!
This game is nice for tailoring to different levels not only in the exercises but also in the sequence. If you have a kiddo who needs a WIN after only a repetition or two in order to feel confident and engaged for continuing you can mix in alternative puzzles like the yellow post it above! Easy math questions, spelling questions, personal questions like name or home state work great for this. The kids also especially love when the secret message that is revealed is something familiar to them, about them, or that they can relate to!
Get Tech-y –
But not too tech-y since we’re trying to keep it simple here! Most of the virtual options out there allow for screen shares so using some online games and tools can be helpful for engagement as well! Google has spinners, dice, and coin flips that you can utilize and other sites offer options for making your own spinner.
You can get hands on yourself also! Powerpoint offers “animation” options during presentations that can allow you to uncover/reveal surprises with simple clicks. Fiddle around with this program to see what fun interactive set ups you can make for your kiddos!
What are some of your favorite teletherapy games?
