"The book is well written and set out in an accessible way that allows you to dip into it for ideas. I would recommend it to all parents and professionals in the educational field it provides useful concepts to stimulate youngsters with specific handicaps and learning difficulties and also provides good ideas for the busy parent to use in different situations."New Generation.
is a most imaginative and stimulating volume which ... is packed to over flowing with delightful play ideas ... Primarily for parents and those working with handicapped children, it would prove valuable for anyone with an interest in helping children to enjoy learning through play."Physiotherapy.
Lear approaches every child, however handicapped, as a unique individual with special needs, likes and dislikes. Her refreshing simplicity permeates the book which is brimming with humour and practical advice."Mother.
those therapists, carers and others who work with children with special needs, Roma Lear s Play Helps series will be a familiar sight on the bookshelf. This volume deals specifically with aspects of play for children who have varying degrees of visual impairment. It is likely to be used as a resource to dip into for ideas on toys to make and activities and games to play with the finished items.
However, the book takes you from the first chapter which sets out the preparatory materials of paper, thread, tapes and so on, and gives useful contact addresses for craft and educational toy supplies. It then proceeds through the senses of hearing, touch, small and vision and expands on each of these with relevant suggestions for toys and games to develop the children s sensory awareness in line with their visual abilities.
Each chapter is well written in easy to understand language no medical or technical jargon anywhere. There are lots of delightful sketches to accompany the step by step instructions, which also tell you whether the toy is quick to make, long lasting, etc, and in which situations it is useful. All of the games and toys are said to be in the low technology bracket easy to make and using materials available through everyday recycling, eg cardboard tubes and boxes or from High Street stores or mail order.
The author uses a story tale to illustrate how some of the toys have been created and subsequently enjoyed thus making each chapter an adventure in itself.
References are made to children and their carers but as the author quotes in the introduction: The process of play is far more important than the toys. This book is about having fun with only a whiff of therapy.
It is published in paperback with a bright colourful cover...
This book would be a useful reference for paediatric therapists (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), teachers, nursery nurses and families and carers of young children with visual impairment."
Susan K Walmsley MCSP, Physiotherapy Frontline, February 1999
