Dragonfly: Universal Access Resources / Play Tips / Sound Puzzle Box Ideal For Children With Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs
Quick Search
PLAY Pen Article
This Kid Is Driving Me Crazy! -Tips For Parents Of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Helpful tips for families from the good folks at NICHCY
|
|
Sound Puzzle Box Ideal For Children With Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
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.
Welcome to Dragonfly USA.
PLAY Tip
Learning Shapes the Musical Way!
Children with special needs can be slower to learn their colors, shapes and fastenings. The Jumbo Music Block teaches all three at once! A song tells children which side of the block to turn up and a special treat is hidden behind each fastening. Try saying the name of the color and shape as the child is searching and again when it is found to add extra reinforcement of the concepts.