Play

At the heart of Child Life and Recreational Therapy is play. The work of those in the field of Child Life is focused on using different types of play to reduce fear and anxiety for children and their family members facing stressful circumstances, especially caused by chronic illness.

From a Child Life standpoint, play can be used to provide normalization and social activities, have a therapeutic basis to assist with processing negative thoughts and feelings, or be medical in nature to allow for exploration of real or pretend medical equipment to aid in the understanding of illness and treatment.

Recreational Therapy utilizes a child’s play and leisure interests to promote independence as well as self-esteem. Those in the field of Recreational Therapy aim to assist those with physical or cognitive limitations identify and participate in adaptive activities that restore a level of functioning and promote health and wellness.

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Download a pdf of the full Play Creative Expression Toolkit. You can also download individual sheets by clicking on each box.

Play Toolkit - Marble Maze

This fun activity is for the whole family. It enhances fine motor skills and promotes cause-and-effect understanding. Let the child’s imagination run wild when setting up different mazes. To play on the floor or bed, tape rolls together to create tubes.

Play Toolkit - Paper Toss

If you can’t get outside, bring the fun indoors with this engaging activity for either a group or just a few people. Surprise notes inside allow for socialization and self-esteem building. It promotes gross motor skills, whether on the floor or playing from bed or a wheelchair.

Play Toolkit - Snowball Fight

Play Toolkit - GAK!

GAK! is a perfect sensory activity for kids of all ages and abilities. When stored in an airtight container, the fun can keep rolling indefinitely. Mix it up with lots of different add-ins. This diversion activity promotes fine motor enhancement.

Play Toolkit - Sensory Bags

This is a fun activity to make at home and take on the run whenever a visual distraction is needed. Allow the child to choose colors and shapes to promote sense of control and self-esteem. Different bags can be made to match different moods.

Play Toolkit - Fall Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt is fun and can bring family and friends together for an outdoor adventure. This activity will promote following directions and freedom of choice.

Play Toolkit - Pumpkin Slime

This activity is fun, perfect for the holiday and can promote bonding with family and friends. This activity will promote following directions and increasing fine motor skills.

Play Toolkit - Pin the Spider on the Web

The idea of this game is essentially the same as Pin The Tail On The Donkey, but using a web and spiders instead. This game is easy and uses easy-to-find materials. It can promote creativity, following directions and dexterity skills.

For more information on Child Life, please visit www.childlife.org
For more information on Recreational Therapy, please visit www.atra-online.com
For other information, contact Betsy Hawley at betsy@ppca.workhardpghserver.com

‍Note: When utilizing any of the play activities available in the Creative Expressions Toolkit, please be advised that these resources do not take the place of actual Child Life or Recreational Therapy interventions. These resources were developed by a Child Life Specialist and Recreational Therapist to promote developmentally appropriate play activities for children with chronic illness in the home and community settings. If you have any questions about these activities, please contact your child’s health care provider.

384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Contact Betsy Hawley at: betsy@ppcc-pa.org

PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations. The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.