This helpful book is designed for teachers, therapists, or even parents to use with children to develop self-regulation and other executive function and learning skills through musical thinking (music, movement and rhythm) and metacognitive strategies. While the activities could be helpful for all students, all the instruction requires deliberate and sequenced teaching so might be best used when working with students who are struggling with inhibition, processing speed (too slow or too fast), attention and other areas of regulation. The book provides detailed background on the rationale and research basis for the approach for the 70 different activities in the book.

Beginning activities are simple, starting with acknowledging a student's pace by creating equivalency with a musical beat and then considering other slower or faster beats that might be more appropriate depending on the situation. By giving students a measure of equivalence they can realize when they are responding too quickly or slowly and the potential impact that can have on those around them. Subsequent activities build on that to create self-awareness (e.g. when I am learning new information I respond at a slower pace, when it is something I should know really well such as math facts I should be able to recite them at a faster pace). The activities in the "Thinking" section of the book involve deliberate self-reflection of experiences and outcomes, which are particularly good for the older students in the recommended age range. While the effort required to use these techniques might not make this optimal in all situations, this unique program could be extremely effective for therapists, educators and parents searching for ways to help children develop an important awareness of their pacing and approach to tasks and strategies to help them improve these skills.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Includes reward stickers
• Visually stimulating and appealing (uses student-centered pictures, colors, and themes)
• Graphics and overall feel of the workbook is appropriate for the target age range
• Relative to most workbooks, fun to use from a child's perspective
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Specific topics/lessons are easy to find
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

Packed with worksheets, handouts, and guided scripts with step-by-step directions, this definitive resource will put you to the top of your play game. With over 70 activities designed to improve thinking, self-regulation, learning and behavior, your tool kit will be full and your creative brain will be inspired to craft your own meaningful exercises. Play now, Play later...with 70 Play Activities for better brain functioning and learning.

Based on years of clinical experience and educational work, Harvard-trained psychologist, Lynne Kenney, PsyD, and school psychologist, Rebecca Comizio, MA, MA-Ed, NCSP have created fun, imaginative, and brain-based exercises for children and adolescents to develop attention, planning, executive function and mood management skills.

Featuring:
-Musical Thinking
-Physical Activities
-Social Interaction Games
-Artmaking
-Perfect for the classroom, clinic or home