Looking for games that transcend age or abilities for your students or clients? Games that encourage turn taking, engagement with others and leisure skills?

Check out EnsenaSoft game apps for kids or adults – almost any age. This weekend they have many on sale for iOS devices! Here are some of the titles of their games which are available on different mobile or computer platforms – Android, iOS, Windows:

• Barnyard Mahjong
• Fantastic Four in a Row
• Fantastic Checkers
• Terrific Tic Tac Toe
• When Pigs Fly
• Hang Man
• Mancala
• More…

I work with students of a variety of abilities at school. For some students leisure, engagement, interaction with others and turn taking are functional skills being developed. Games, whether on the computer, Wii, in gym or on a mobile device foster those skills. Use of the iPad has been a game changer for our students when barriers of physically manipulating game pieces or drawing, independent set up, understanding the rules or sequence of the game or turn taking with others may interfere. Our students and their peers (teens and adults/teachers) enjoy playing games that are ageless such as Tic Tac Toe, Four in a Row or Checkers on the iPad with our students that allow easy access, set up and facilitate interactive skills. Games that have one and two player options (usually not in the free versions) allows students to learn the game when played by themselves prior to turn taking using two player mode with a peer. They enjoy the games whether they win or lose!

I was excited to find the EnsenaSoft full version game apps gone free for this weekend. They are simply presented, have options for one and two players and have music and animation in them that will engage our students.  One of my students with an infinity for music will just love the music playing (has option to turn on and off) in the apps.

Our students have been playing some of these games already and really enjoy playing them by themselves, but also with others. The best thing is these games are a lure for interaction with others – same aged high school peers, adults or other neurotypical students. They have been a great addition to one of my students’ fun choices on her communication device (iPad). She can request it and then navigate to the app to play – what independence! Who doesn’t like to play a game now and then, especially those that are ageless like tic tac toe, checkers,  mahjong (look out mahjong is addictive!) or four in a row?

What also is great is EnsenaSoft supplies these games on different platforms and if you want to check them out first  they are Ensensasoft’s website under their arcade tab!  EnsenaSoft’s website Arcade tab allows you the choice of games by Preschool, Grade School or Young/Adult with a variety of games choices that can be played right on the computer with students – no need for an iDevice.

I am always on the hunt for activities and apps that allow our students age appropriate engagement with others. These EnsenaSoft apps and software fit the bill. Thank you EnsenaSoft for offering these for free  – what a deal for our students!

An earlier post on games for special needs listed a few other games on the iPad (such as Action Bowling) that our students love. I have not trialed any of these apps with students needing switch access as I currently don’t have students needing such access.

If you have any suggestions for iDevice games for student with special needs – please share!

More for your OT iTool Kit!

Appy Gaming!!

Carol