Learning Games for Disabled Children
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the term 'disabled children' encompasses a wide range of impairments, from hearing and speech impairments to developmental and emotional disorders. Consequently, learning games for disabled children must consider this wide range of impairments to ensure an inclusive and educational environment. Creating this atmosphere does not have to be complex; it requires only some careful planning and consideration.
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Sensory
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The Feely Box is a sensory game that will stimulate a child's senses and his prediction, analysis and thinking skills. The game can be played with the whole class or in smaller groups. Fill a colorful bag or pillowcase with a mystery item, such as a teddy bear or scarf, and invite children to put their hands in and guess what's inside. If possible, use open-ended questions to spark discussion, such as what does the item feel like and how could we use the item in everyday life.
Movement
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This singing and movement game will develop memory skills and motor abilities while enabling children to learn parts of the body. The game centers on the song "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." Start by teaching children the words of the song and asking if they can point out the correct body part as you sing along. Depending on the ability of the class, aim to successfully sing along, complete the body actions in time to the music or both, if possible.
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Literacy
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This pre-reading game is suitable for children of all ages and abilities and will develop early literacy skills as children learn to recognize individual letters. Start with a large display of the chosen letter and teach children how to sound it out. Next, show children how to to trace it in the air with their fingers. From here you can ask children to call out words they know that contain the letter and expose them to other examples of the letter, in newspapers or on cereal boxes, for example.
Numeracy
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In this number match-up game, disabled children will learn how to recognize numbers and develop their thinking skills. Start by making up two sets of index cards. On one set of cards, write the numbers one to ten and draw a corresponding image on the other set, such as one dog or two cats. Lay all the cards face up and have children match up each numbered card to the corresponding number of objects.
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References
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