by RomaLear (Author)
Health professionals, teachers, parents and carers are desperate for play ideas to keep their child entertained and hopefully improve the child's quality of life. The book incorporates many toys which will improve basic skills and are fun for any child, disabled or not. Other toys included are suitable for group play with family and friends. They are labelled as instant (self explanatory), quick (made in an evening) or long-lasting (made in a weekend or longer). These require basic needlework and carpentry skills using materials ranging from common objects around the house or garden to easily available fabrics and wood. The books will be invaluable to everyone working with children with special needs - parents, therapists, toy librarians, teachers, health visitors, playgroup leaders, child minders and all who play with children in hospitals, hostels or at home.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
Published: 20 Feb 1998
ISBN 10: 0750638958
ISBN 13: 9780750638951
However, the book takes you from the first chapter which sets out the preparatory materials of paper, thread, tapes and so on, and gives useful contact addresses for craft and educational toy supplies. It then proceeds through the senses of hearing, touch, small and vision and expands on each of these with relevant suggestions for toys and games to develop the children s sensory awareness in line with their visual abilities.
Each chapter is well written in easy to understand language no medical or technical jargon anywhere. There are lots of delightful sketches to accompany the step by step instructions, which also tell you whether the toy is quick to make, long lasting, etc, and in which situations it is useful. All of the games and toys are said to be in the low technology bracket easy to make and using materials available through everyday recycling, eg cardboard tubes and boxes or from High Street stores or mail order.
The author uses a story tale to illustrate how some of the toys have been created and subsequently enjoyed thus making each chapter an adventure in itself.
References are made to children and their carers but as the author quotes in the introduction: The process of play is far more important than the toys. This book is about having fun with only a whiff of therapy.
It is published in paperback with a bright colourful cover...
This book would be a useful reference for paediatric therapists (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), teachers, nursery nurses and families and carers of young children with visual impairment. Susan K Walmsley MCSP, Physiotherapy Frontline, February 1999