Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play

by Allie Ticktin

A game-changing book on child development--and the importance of physical play--for this digital and screen age.

For children to develop to their fullest potential, their sensory system—which, in addition to the big five of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell, includes movement and balance (vestibular), body awareness (proprioception), and internal perception (interoception)—needs to be stimulated from the time they are born. Their senses flourish when they explore their environment by touching new textures, including their food, running, jumping, climbing, and splashing outside.
 
As an occupational therapist with a specialty in sensory integration, Allie Ticktin has seen an increase in cases of children who struggle to sit in circle time or at their desk upright and who are delayed in walking, talking, and playing by themselves and with their peers. In the recent past, kids spent their days playing outside and naturally engaging their sensory system and building key developmental skills. But with increasing time pressures for both kids and parents, children are spending more time in front of screens and less time exploring and interacting with their environment.
 
The good news is that boosting your child’s sensory development doesn’t take enormous amounts of time or supplies, or any special skills. Here, Ticktin discusses the eight sensory systems and how a child uses them, and offers easy, fun activities—as well as advice on setting up a play area—that will encourage their development so that your little one will be better able to respond to their emotions, build friendships, communicate their needs, and thrive in school. That’s the power of sensory play.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Adult, Audiobook, Self Help

272 pages, Hardcover

Published July 6, 2021

About the author

Dr. Allie Ticktin is an occupational therapist with a specialty in sensory integration, and the founder of Play 2 Progress. Allie’s life work is to empower children and families through play, and she hopes that one day quality open-ended play will be considered as important as learning the ABCs.

Reviews

[nadiaizzaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review on : www.instagram.com/trulybynia

[Jen Woodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook through my library and was disappointed that I couldn't get access to the PDF of activities, but the information Allie provided was very helpful. A lot of families could benefit from learning how the sensory system impacts behavior, emotions, and functioning. Allie did a great job breaking down the eight sensory systems in the body to help us understand how they impact daily life. She provided many helpful ideas for fostering sensory integration and modulation- I plan to apply a lot of her tips in my home and counseling practice!

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic overview of the sensory system to expand parent and caregiver knowledge and awareness of their child’s (and their own) sensory needs.

[AF122 · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF: n/a for our current lifestyle, age, needs
Activities not available in audio form.

[Kylee Lalliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy read with practical takeaways. Loved it.

[Kaleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

If your looking to feel judged by a parenting book, look no further.

[Rachel Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook so much! I'm not an OT, but I am a psychotherapist, so this was super interesting. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 (because I truly loved what I did learn) is because there are a bunch of exercises for each sense that the listener does not have access to with the audiobook (at least, I didn't when I borrowed this audiobook from the library). It was frustrating hearing the author say, "See the PDF for exercises" when I didn't have access to a PDF. It would have been nice if the author described or explained the exercises in the audiobook because I now feel like I need to purchase the book in order to have them. I still loved the information provided in this book, but the lack of access to the exercises with the audiobook was a huge downside.

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are parts that are preachy and I'm a little wary of essential oils. Really though it's all rather low-key and harmless (no huge claims at least), so I'm giving a pass for how rich this book is in valuable activities that enrich a child's all around development of all sensory systems. In fact, I highly recommend this book to educators (speaking as a children's librarian with education in child development).

I plan to implement so many of these activities in storytime, playgroup, and sensory hours!

Thank you for all of the activities and recommended lists of toys!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost quit this book in chapter 1 when she started talking about how there shouldn’t be any toys in kids rooms, but it ended up being interesting! I knew some about all the different senses, but I’ve been learning more lately, especially about proprioceptive and the concept of praxis. I read this as an audiobook and it had none of the activities, so I checked out the ebook too so I could see them. Some fun things to try!

[Wakakanunu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book when my kid was sick and needed to stay at home for about a week. I ran out of ideas how to play with her or keep her meaningfully entertained. Lots of fun activities inside and generally easy to set up. A few activities are way too risky for my liking, I.e pretend to ski on slippery surface with shaving cream at home sounds like an invitation for injury.

[RaeAnn]

There was some things I liked and some things I didn't like about the way the author approached parenting and some of the activities seemed more feasible than others. I think it works best as a starting point in brainstorming what might be useful or fun for your child and if you can find just a few activities that may be helpful, then that's good enough.

[Shivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic breakdown of the body for both children and adults. Made me laugh every chapter. I now have implemented so many activities from this book into my teachings when working with kids!

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Will be buying for my daughter who is studying to be an OT.

[Alana Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the sensory system. Allie’s play ideas are clearly outlined and easy to implement. Quality open-ended play that engage the sensory system is crucial for development.

[Charlene Xiaolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide to refer to later when looking for toddler activities.

[Nadia Chenevey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for parents and teachers! The author is so knowledgeable, but makes the information so accessible and easy to read!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for any parent! This book highlights important experiences your child needs in order build crucial skills.

[Molli Loftus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the sensory system and the importance of it in childhood development. An emphasis on how to nurture a child’s sensory development with many examples of games and activities.

[Sheila Borcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Ad a special education teacher & parent of young children I really enjoyed this audiobook. However, I will need to get my hands on a physical copy so I can see all of the sensory activities.

[Freeread · Rating 4 out of 5]

เด็กทุกคนพัฒนาไม่เท่ากัน มันจึงมีด้านที่เด่นด้อย ดูไม่สมบูรณ์ ขอเพียงเราให้เขาเล่น เสริมสร้างในด้านที่ขาด เขาก็จะเติบโตมาอย่างสมบูรณ์