Quick Search
PLAY Pen Article
Helping Those Hearing Hassles!
Helping children with mild and moderate hearing impairments understand what they hear.
|
|
Learning how to catch a ball can be as easy as 1 2 3!
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
Catching a ball can be harder then it looks! Catching balls develops good shoulder stability and torso stability.
You can help make the process easier by offering the right balls in the right order. Here is a three step process to try:
1. First start with a sturdy balloon, a punching balloon without the elastic is ideal. It can be easier to start in a sitting position about 2-3 feet away.
2. Next, try with a light high friction ball. The 9 and 15 inch Yadda balls are ideal.
,3. In the final step, stand or sit a little further apart and bounce the Yadda ball to the child. The bounce gives the child a little extra time to catch the ball.
Note: For children with latex allergies, balloons contain latex but the Yadda balls are latex free.
Welcome to Dragonfly USA.
PLAY Tip
Sound Puzzle Box Ideal For Children With Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs
Shape sorters present a special challenge for a cognitively young child or a blind child. Here are some time-tested techniques for teaching shape fitting and matching.
Start playing by dumping the pieces out of the Sound Puzzle Box. Place the pieces in upside down so that they 'squeak' on the way out. Beginning with dumping builds the initial recognition of the objects 'belonging' inside the box, initial grasping skills, and cause and effect .
Next, cover all holes but the circle. Show the child how to put the circle piece in to the circle hole. When the circle is mastered, use the other shapes. Next offer two holes and shapes, then three.
This technique lets children choose from a manageable number of possibilities.
This toy does not require sight, and the pieces are a good size for most children.