Occupational therapist and author advocating building self-esteem in children via playful games/activities
Award-winning author Barbara Sher has focused her forty-five years of experience in special education towards developing children's natural love of play to build sensory, motor and social skills. Barbara has worked determinedly to promote children’s play through her books, workshops, CDs and podcasts which have helped countless parents, caregivers and teachers. She has authored ten books on children’s games which are available in ten languages. Her book “Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder” is a collection of 100 sensory-rich games for children and parents. Barbara won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP award as wells as Dr. Tony’s Best Vacation Children’s Products award for her CD “28 Instant Songgames” She also contributes regularly to Parenting for Special Needs and Sensory Focus magazines.
Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder”?B: I been in the special education for 45 years. I have written more the ten books: Spirit Games, Early Intervention Games, Attention Games , etc. I had an idea that people would want to know the basics and I wrote this latest book.
Who can benefit from reading this book? Where can our readers purchase your books?B: Anyone could benefit from reading the books because we all have a flaw or two. In this way a child must not know but a game or three will be helpful.
Amazon or any book store will carry my books
What kind of research and commitment was required to write your books, podcast and workshops?B: I read read and read and thought and thought and this is where I am and how I do all those podcast, books and work shop.
What is your most memorable project and why?B: All were memorial, but I did single one out. I was in Hong Kong and I did a 3 hour boat ride to a island and the people were waiting. I gave a workshop and it was well received.
What are some of the effective tools to enhance children’s sensory systems?B: Figure out what your child needs. Give them that. And when it changes , because kids grow older, then change the activities. There are so many games to play.
What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?B: Read my books, figure out your child, they all different but the same, pay attention and you will go right.
