Sher, Barbara, MA, OTR

Barbara Sher MA, OTR, a mother, grandmother, pediatric occupational therapist and workshop leader. Barbara is the author of nine books and one CD/tape on activities for children. Her books have been translated into 8 languages so far (Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Estonian, Arabic, Russian and Swedish) She gives workshops on the Power of Play and on making learning toys out of recyclables in both national and international locations (Nicaragua, Cambodia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Micronesia and Norway) Barbara lives and works on the Northern Mariana islands of Saipan and Tinian and in Northern California.

The Power of Play: How Sensory Games Can Stimulate Motor, Social, Cognitive and Language Skills for all Children

When children are “playfully engaged”, neuroscientists have shown there are immediate changes in the brain. New synaptic connections are formed that are actually visible in brain scans. Too often in educational settings, children are taught academics in sedentary ways and when there are fun movement activities, children with special needs are often not included. In this course, parents, teachers, and other professionals will learn, through play, a large variety of games that stimulate brain development and include children with special needs. Aspects of each game enhance motor, social, language and cognitive skills so the needs of the whole child are addressed These games use materials easily found around the home. Participants will also be empowered to use their own creativity to make games and toys from recycled materials for their specific child or children.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn about the basic development of the brain and the effect the sensory system has on development.
2. To understand that movement and touch experiences are essential ingredients in learning and how to incorporate the enriching effect of “sensory moments” in a child’s daily life.
3. To recognize characteristics of tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, and auditory dysfunction.
4. To participate in playing a large variety of fun games and “song games” that are designed to engage various sensory systems. Aspects of each game enhance motor, social, language and cognitive skills so the needs of the whole child are addressed.
5. To learn inclusive games that are specifically designed for children with different skill levels and special needs ( blind/deaf, deaf, autistic, non-ambulatory, sensory processing differences)
6. To leave the workshop feeling empowered to create own ideas by making games or toys out of recycled materials for the home, classroom or clinic.