‘The Games Lady’ empowering children with 100 playful activities

Award-winning author and occupational therapist Barabra Sher poses for a photo with her recent book along with all of her other works about child development. (Thomas Manglona II)

Award-winning author and occupational therapist Barabra Sher’s new book, Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder, aims to empower children with sensory differences through 100 playful activities.

In her newest book, which can be found online and at bookstores, Sher provides parents and educators with sensory-rich activities and showcases the plethora of ways that simple and joyful play can engage children in meaningful ways.

“These are games that encourage them to know more about sensory. They are fun games so that they will learn things in a fun way. The way to engage children is to engage children and you do that by making it fun,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Sher, who has worked for the Public School System in the Early Childhood Special Education Department since 2000, noted that her games use every day materials at home and in the classroom, making it easy for adults to conduct. She even uses musical activities in the book to garner the child’s attention and ensure the student remembers the activity and lesson.

“When we are born we have a hundred billion brain cells but they’re not connected, they are just loose brain cells and everything we do and every experience we have connects those brain cells up,” she explained.

She said that the activities that she introduces in the 11 books she has written give children new experiences, enlarging the amount of information they can work with.

“They start to make connections. If you don’t use it [brain cells], you loose, it. The first five years are so important years for a kid. I come in to the classroom and bring more experiences and games to get their attention in order for them to learn,” she added.

With over 40 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Sher’s books addresses child development ranging from increased attention span and self-confidence to social skills and enhanced motor skills.

“There are so many layers of learning going on in just one game, so that is why I am brining in so many new games.”

In one of many positive reviews, Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, wrote: “Whimsy and wisdom pour forth from this wonderful book. The fun and functional sensory-motor ideas are easily adaptable to suit all environments, all abilities, all kids and all their grown-ups.”

Sher is a Northern California native and graduated with her Bachelor’s in psychology at Boston University and a Master’s in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California. After completing her studies she returned to her hometown to work with underprivileged children and eventually brought her wealth of experience to the islands.

“Many of the books would not be written without the teachers and children at Saipan schools. The teachers have been very welcoming to me and I get to go in the classroom and play these different games with the kids,” she said. “I’m always designing new games and am very grateful for the enthusiasm of the children and teachers who are so willing and ready to play my games!”

It was her work in in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other places that she learned to make learning games from “throw-away” materials. She said that her work includes all kids in the classroom. “Although the game is designed to meet a particular need of the special ed student. All kids like to play.”

Sher is already planning her next book, which she said would be her first piece directed toward adults.

Sher’s books, podcasts, and other work can be found in 11 different languages on her website, www.gameslady.com.