[LauraKateBull]

Help needed! I am currently a student at the University of Wales, Newport. I am carrying out a project on special needs. The project brief is as follows:

Children of all ages find play enjoyable, from a very young age to the end of school and beyond. In education many educationalists such as: teachers, play workers and child minders have used the theory of learning through play to enhance learning skills. There is a known shortage of educational playing equipment for children who have special needs that need to make learning through play enjoyable.

My task is to produce a learning resource that is suitable for children with special needs that need to have fun whilst learning to be able to get the most out of their a session of teaching.

I would be very grateful for any ideas you could give me, any information you could give or share any of your experiences with me.

Many Thanks

[Speeds]

Hi

What I would like is age appropriate books and material for children who are behind.

What I mean is that my age 10 son is reading at age 6 but he needs age 10 related material.  e.g. not Thomas the Tank engine but Dr Who at a reading age of 6 i.e. int he same way as learning to read books are for a 6 year old.

So approrpiate subject matter for their age but at a level approrpiate for their ability

[paula]

Couldn' t agree more with Speeds comment. Michael is ten but unable to read so likes books with pictures which are all too young for him.

As an aside, think it is a bit of a sweeping statement to say that all children find playing enjoyable, as our daughter Elise who is nearly eight has only just learnt to play, albeit it at a basic level. Also, Michael will play for hours with his special rope but has limited interest in our traditional concept of toys and what we see as playing. Children, especially those with ASD do not experience fun as we understand so you need to be clear on the specific purpose of your toy and who is the specific target audience. Our two are super literal and any toy would have to be a true representation of whatever it is supposed to be ie. Thomas is not a proper train in their eyes.

Hope this helps!

Paula