Learn to Play Therapy

True play is fun. it is a natural and enjoyable way for children to learn about their world. Through play, children learn how to get on with other children, to share, to communicate with others, and to be independent.

 

However, play is a complex skill that needs to develop and for whatever reason, some children find play very challenging and don’t develop the ability to play naturally.  If play is modelled and children are shown what to do with play materials, then they can learn to play.

 

Learn to Play is a hands-on therapy created to develop the spontaneous pretend play skills of children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, language disorders and other disabilities.

 

The focus of Learn to Play is pretend play as this is the most mature and complex style of play.  Language (especially narrative language), social competence and emotional integration are all enhanced by the ability to pretend play.

 

Learn to Play Therapy focuses on the following play skills;

• Ability to spontaneously self-initiate play

• Sequencing play actions logically

• Using objects as something else

• Engaging with a doll or teddy character outside of themselves

• Integrating their play so a clear play script is evident

• Role play

• Socially interacting using play. 

 

The Learn to play program is a developmentally sensitive, fun, playful and nonthreatening way of working with children to develop their pretend play ability. Toys and activities are carefully chosen based on the individual child and their goals.  

 

Why is Pretend Play Important for School?

 

Children who undertake pretend play are able to commence school with lots of words, longer sentences, the capacity to understand a social play context, understand another's point of view. At this level, children seem to be more aware of their emotions and the emotions of others. 

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