What are suitable online games to use with kids during telehealth sessions?
There are several online interactive games that therapists can play with kids during telehealth sessions to promote engagement, skill-building, and therapeutic progress. Here are some examples of online games suitable for therapy purposes:
- Virtual Board Games: Websites and platforms like Tabletopia, Board Game Arena, or Tabletop Simulator offer a wide range of virtual board games that can be played collaboratively with the child. These games can target various therapeutic goals, such as social skills, turn-taking, strategy, and problem-solving.
- Memory Games: Online memory games, like Simon Says, Matching Pairs, or Memory Match, can be utilised to enhance memory skills, attention, and cognitive development. Websites such as Memory.com or PairsGame.com provide digital versions of memory games that therapists can play with kids during telehealth sessions.
- Collaborative Drawing: Online drawing platforms like Skribbl.io or Drawize enable therapists and children to draw collaboratively in real-time. This activity promotes creativity, self-expression, and can be used to explore emotions, storytelling, or specific therapeutic themes.
- Interactive Storytelling: Websites like Storybird or StoryJumper offer interactive storytelling experiences where therapists and children can create and share stories together. These platforms provide templates, illustrations, and writing tools to support collaborative storytelling activities.
- Virtual Escape Rooms: Virtual escape rooms, such as Breakout EDU or Digital Escape Room, provide engaging and challenging puzzles and riddles that can be solved collaboratively. Therapists can use these games to promote problem-solving skills, teamwork, and critical thinking.
- Puzzle Games: Online puzzle games, such as jigsaw puzzles or logic puzzles, can be utilized to enhance cognitive skills, visual-spatial abilities, and attention. Websites like Jigsaw Explorer, Puzzle Prime, or Brain Games offer a variety of puzzle options suitable for different ages and skill levels.
- Online Multiplayer Games: Multiplayer games that focus on cooperation and communication can be used to enhance social skills and teamwork. Games like Minecraft, Among Us, or Roblox offer opportunities for collaborative play and can be adapted to therapeutic goals.
When selecting online interactive games, ensure they are age-appropriate, align with the child’s interests, and are relevant to their therapeutic needs. It’s important to consider the safety, privacy, and suitability of the platforms or websites used. Always review and test games beforehand to ensure they meet therapeutic objectives and provide an engaging experience for the child during telehealth sessions.
Leanne Hopkins is an Occupational Therapist at Succeed Healthcare Solutions and is passionate about creating a world where families thrive. If you or someone you know is interested in undertaking therapy via telehealth with a team trained and experienced in telehealth for several years, please contact us and arrange a free 15-minute Discovery Interview to see how we can assist.