Game: In and Out
To purchase the pdf card game, click here
Creator: Dr. Erica Warren
Age range: 6 and up
Duration: 5 to 10 minutes or longer depending on interest and stamina level
Skills practiced: working memory, management of distractions, attention to detail, concentration stamina, mental shifting.
Although the game we're about to discuss is designed for Grade 4 and up, as an Educational Therapist working with a wide age range of students, I've had the pleasure of playing it with students as young as 6 years old. The key is introducing the game gradually and setting clear expectations.
Let's dive into how I do incorporate this in my one-on-one Educational Therapy Lessons:
How to play:
Step 1: Familiarize with the Game Elements
The first step in introducing this game is to familiarize your young players with its various elements. I like to start by showing them one card at a time and asking them to name the pictures they see. For instance, alien, a raindrop, a cat, a house, or a car. This not only helps them become comfortable with the visuals but also builds their vocabulary.
Step 2: Practice Instructions
Once your kids are familiar with the game's visuals, it's time to practice following instructions. Here's how I do it:
Have the students go through the deck of cards according to a single instruction. For example, ask them to tell you only the outside image on each card.
After they've mastered one instruction, switch it up by having them tell you only the inside image on each card.
To further enrich their vocabulary, encourage them to describe the cards using specific details. For example, they can say "red card" or "small flower" to describe what they see.
Keep the practice engaging by introducing various instructions. For instance, you can ask them questions like "Is the basket facing in or out?" This helps them pay attention to the details of each card.
To challenge them further, alternate between two instructions. For example, for the first card, they should say the inside image, and for the next card, they should say the outside image.
By gradually introducing the game in this way, you'll find that your young players become more comfortable and confident with its rules and mechanics. Once they've mastered these steps, you can transition to playing the game as described in the YouTube video.
Watch the Youtube video: Dr. Erica Warren provides a comprehensive overview on how to play the game with one player. Click here to watch.
To purchase the pdf card game, click here
