Therapeutic Play Activity: expressive art play, specifically using drawing to help children express emotions. This activity is often used with children who are experiencing stress, grief, trauma, or difficulty verbalizing their feelings.
In this activity, the child is given simple art materials such as, crayons, markers, or colored pencils and is encouraged to draw freely. The therapist may offer gentle prompts like “Draw how you’re feeling today” or “Draw something that makes you feel safe.” There is no focus on artistic skill; the emphasis is on expression rather than the final product.
Note: Students are asked to incorporate a theoretical perspective in the therapeutic play plan, directly related the age and developmental stage of the child that the activity is planned for.
Child Life therapeutic activities and interventions are goal driven. When conducting the activity, a child life specialist should have this goal in mind. For this assignment, think of a specific child; choose an age and a specific diagnosis. Answer the following questions about your plan in a word document that is uploaded along with your presentation:
Write a brief (2-3) sentences describing the child/diagnosis/age you are planning for
Title of Activity (use Hart & Rollins book)
Full description of the activity: what supplies are needed? Any precautions? What do you need to get prepared for activity? How much time should be allowed?
Age range? What is ideal age and why? How will you adapt it for other ages?
You need to tie in a developmental theory. What stage is this child in according to Piaget? Erikson? How does the developmental stage influence your choice of the activity?
How will you evaluate the success of the activity? How will you know if you achieved your goals?
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