The Playroom

1
The Playroom
2
PhilosophySelecting toys and play media
materials should be deliberate and based on a
sound rationale, and should always take into
account the basic rationale for using play
therapy with children a recognition of
childrens developmental level, which is
expressed naturally through their play and
activity. As I have pointed out, toys are
childrens words and play is their language.
Thus, toys and materials (words) should be
selected that facilitate childrens expression by
providing a wide range of play activity
(language). Landreth, 2003
3

• Messages We Attempt to Convey about the
  Playroom
• Warmth
• A place for children
• A place that is SAFE
• Openness freedom
• Ok for exploration

4

• Playroom Location
• A place that is least likely to be disturbed or
  disturb others around.
• Playroom Size
• 12 feet x 15 feet
• Too small ? restriction too large ? whos in
  control about approaching?
• Sufficient space for 2 or 3 children play at the
  same time

5

• Playroom Characteristics DO
• A sense of privacy
• Floor Vinyl Tile ? Easy to clean inexpensive
  to replace
• Wall Washable enamel ? Easy to clean
  Off-white color ? cheerful
• One-way mirror ? for supervision least
  disturbance of the camera
• Sink with cold running water ? less disturbance
  less violation of confidentiality
• Chalkboard shelves Correspond to childrens
  height

6

• Playroom Characteristics DO
• Inside bathroom ? reduce limit setting, promote
  confidentiality, facilitate expression
• Sturdy, wood or hard-surface child-sized
  furniture, such as table, chair, etc.
• Playroom Characteristics DONT
• No carpet ? restriction for freedom exploration
• No watching for parents, unless in filial therapy

7

• Rationale of Selection
• Durable Ok to play
• A wide variety choices of expression medium
• Age-appropriate to manage

8

• Questions to ask in selection
• Facilitative in expression, such as emotional
  expression?
• Engaging childs interests?
• Facilitate exploratory play?
• Facilitate expression without words
• Promote creative play?
• Allow for noncommittal play?
• Allow for active use, such as expression of
  aggression?

9

• Criteria
• Establishment of a positive relationship with the
  child ? Promote understanding, communication,
  expression
• Expression of a wide range of feelings, such as
  puppets
• Exploration of real-life experiences, such as
  medical kit ? Promote a sense of control
  transfer into manageable experiences
• Reality testing of limits, such as gun ?
  Facilitate internal control, responsibility
  taking, learn about boundary

10

• Criteria (Cont)
• Development of a positive self-image by
  facilitating a sense of capability
• Development of self-understanding ? Promote
  self-acceptance
• Opportunity to develop self-control by
  opportunities to practice and learn
  responsibility taking decision-making in play
  and limits

11
Categories of Toys Nothing can take the place of
the emotional climate that develops as a result
of the therapists attitude, use of her own
personality, and the spontaneous interaction
between the therapist and child. Toys and
materials can, however, determine or structure
the kind and degree of expression by the child
and the interaction with the therapist, and
therefore must receive careful attention as to
their selection. (p.138-139)
12

• Categories of Toys
• Real-life toys
• Acting-put aggressive-release toys
• Toys for creative expression and emotional release

13

• Special Considerations DO
• Only small amount but fresh washable paints
• A place to hide ? promote the development of
  freedom in the relationship
• Clean up the playroom put back play materials
  after the child leaves
• Remove broken toys ? cause confusion
  frustration
• Materials are organized in a way that promotes
  order and consistency ? promote a sense of
  security due to the predictability

14

• Special Considerations DONT
• No games ? cause competition
• No mechanical or electronic toys ? The item
  should do only what the child describes.
• No puzzles ? cause frustration
• Not a place for babysitting