Barrier games are a fun and interactive way to practice speech, receptive and expressive communication skills, and social skills.
They require a minimum of two players.
Each player must have the same set of materials in front of them, and a barrier in-between them so they cannot see one another.
Improve Your Child’s Social & Language Skills with Barrier Games
Barrier games are used in therapy and you can also play a variety of barrier games at home with your child by setting up a file folder or binder as the barrier.
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How Do You Play Barrier Games?
Two or more players sit around a table with a barrier set up so they cannot see each other’s materials. Every player will have the exact same materials in front of them.
A binder, book, or bristol board makes a quick and easy barrier.
Each player takes turn giving a specific direction on how to arrange the materials in front of them. This is done based on the child’s ability level, so depending on the child’s individual skill, instructions may be simple or complex.
Absolutely no visual cues are given.
At the end of the game, the goal is for everyone’s materials to be set up the same way.
Targeting Skills with Barrier Games
You can use barrier games to teach many skills including expressive and receptive language, and social skills.
You can manipulate the game to work on your own specific goals.
Some examples of things you can work on include:
Barrier Game Printables
I’ve created several printables that you can use to play barrier games with your child. You can download the barrier game bundle here.
What You Will Need:
- Clear sheet protectors to protect the scenery
- Re-usable adhesive putty
- Scissors
- A barrier (you can use a book, binder, file folder, etc)
More Barrier Game Ideas
You can use different items and toys to make up your own barrier games. Here are some ideas to get you started.
