Games and toys for children with special educational needs
If your child has Special Educational Needs, this is what you should know about toys and games for them.
When you think of games and toys for children with special educational needs (SEN), you might think of expensive gadgets and equipment specially designed for their specific abilities. But in reality, it is not necessary that much for a child with SEN to have fun and. Play by your side. In the market you can find very expensive and specialized items by companies that are dedicated to this, but your pocket can suffer a lot.
The only thing that makes most special needs toys “special” is the label, and the fact that the toys are purchased for a child with some type of developmental gap. But the best toys and games for children with special needs have a few elements in common:
They are safe and fun for children with sensory or physical problems. Good choices might include soap bubbles and finger toys, while a poor choice would be a noisy computer-based game that requires complex interactions to play.
They require relatively low levels of focused attention, use of language, and physical coordination, such as a slide or swing. The board game Monopoly would not be a good option, for example.
They are flexible enough to be used or played in various ways, with or without multiple partners. Blocks or Legos are excellent examples of this type of toy, whereas a game of badminton is not.
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THERAPEUTIC TOYS AND GAMES FOR CHILDREN WITH SEN
There are two elements that can make toys and games therapeutic for children with sensory, social, language, cognitive, or attention challenges. They are very simple:
- To be therapeutic, you must enjoy a game or toy with another person who is willing and able to use the experience to help develop skills.
- To withstand sensory challenges and offer rewards, a game or toy must be physically attractive and fun (or enjoyable and relaxing) for the player.
- In short, if you play with your child and really engage with him, and your child actively likes the game or toy you are using, you are providing a therapeutic experience.
WHAT TO THINK BEFORE BUYING
Before you buy or make something for your child with special needs, remember that the goal is to engage him. child with something that he or she will enjoy. That may mean that the toy is suitable for children younger than your child’s age, but it should not be an impediment to their enjoyment.
Children with special needs, by definition, develop at a different rate than their typical peers. As a parent, you may have to swallow your pride and give your child the toy or experience they are prepared for, even if the age on the box seems too young.
When looking at toys, keep in mind that therapeutic toys are usually more expensive versions than normal ones, but it is not always necessary to buy special toys. However, you should be careful when buying toys to avoid those that you might choke on or that are toxic.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
Some toys that can go well:
- Building blocks, legos and toys
- Safe swings
- Water toys
- Soap bubbles
- Puzzle
- Sensory books
- Sensory toys
- Simple board games
- Safe craft supplies
Here are some ideas for toys and games for your child with SEN to play. If you have more questions, talk to the professionals who work with your children so they can advise you depending on their progress. Remember that you also need to know your child to know what he / she likes to enjoy at all times not only the game or the toys, but also your company.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.