Content based board games for language development linked with worksheets are advantageous for children with special needs

Content based board games for language development linked with worksheets are advantageous for children with special needs

Lalit Kishore

Language Board Games designs and formats for children with special needs should be for vocabulary building and an extension of flash cards. They should be print-and-play worthy.

For such children, besides textbook related board games, they can also be used for topics such as colours, patterns, fruits, classroom objects, kitchen utensils, vegetables, food items, pets, daily routines, nature, birds, body parts, etc.

Board games accompanied by worksheets are useful for reinforcement of vocabulary, language practice, speech and behaviour change through taking turns, attentiveness, respect for non-verbal cognitive development and built-in element of behaviour change.

After initial vocabulary building as children move higher grade levels. They board games can include actions and objects, singular and plural, pair-words, opposites, word-meaning games, etc. in a sequence board game with a start and finish on the board which is useful for dysgraphic children in particular.

The inset collage shows a board game in use for language learning by a child with special needs at Disha, Jaipur, for the grade level two.