The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun

Review by Sue Porr, M.Ed., MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun (OSCF) is an excellent resource of activities for young children based on sensory skill development. This second volume by writer Carol Kranowitz is a follow-up to her first book on sensory processing, The Out-of-Sync Child (OSC) In this second book, Kranowitz has compiled and organized a myriad of sensory activities both by sensory system (i.e. touch, smell) and related skills area (e.g. motor planning, oral motor skills). These activities have been parent tested, therapist implemented and “kid approved”!

Kranowitz uses a clear functional rubric for presenting her activities, many of which have been culled from other sources. Her activities all fit the acronym SAFE:  they are Sensorimotor in nature, Appropriate for Young Children, Fun to do, and Easy to prepare and present. Special features of OSCF include coping tips for engaging children who are “sensory reluctant participants ” for many of the tasks involving sensory input. The activity grid in the back of the book is a bonus for teachers, parents and therapists to locate activities in the book by sensory area, skills and special needs category.

The strength of The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun lies in its wealth of well-organized activities for preschool teachers, parents, and support personnel. It is based on parent and professional report and anecdotal information with clear information presented regarding sensory precautions. Collaboration with a therapist knowledgeable in sensory processing issues is recommended when implementing these activities with children suspected of having   sensory defensiveness  .The state of research regarding sensory processing does not allow one to say these activities are the “cure” for sensory processing issues. It does, however; provide a repertoire of activities to try with children whose play is limited by sensory processing challenges.

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