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Play Therapy Activities: 101 Play-Based Exercises to Improve Behavior and Strengthen the Parent-Child Connection
Harness the power of play—101 creative ways for you and your child to bond, have fun, and so much more!
What’s the best way for children to relate to the world around them? Play! In this book, you’ll find a collection of joyful activities that allow parents of children ages 3 to 9 to unlock the therapeutic benefits of play.
From strengthening your bond to decreasing their screen dependency, Play Therapy Activities offers a variety of simple exercises that can help improve your child’s behavior, impulse control, self-awareness, and more. New to the idea of play therapy? This parent-friendly guide offers a comprehensive overview of the practice, as well as advice for making sure you and your child get the most out of your experiences together.
Play Therapy Activities provides:
Open the play therapy toolbox—Discover how you can help your child hone certain skills and behaviors with arts and crafts, relaxation and breathing activities, and more. 101 Fun activities—Whether it’s dancing, creating stories, or playing outside, discover on- and off-the-page activities (and tips!) for any number of occasions and moods. Play therapy revealed—Find out how and why play therapy is so effective, as well as the ways in which these activities can supplement actual play therapy.
Bring fun and skill-building games home with Play Therapy Activities.
What’s the best way for children to relate to the world around them? Play! In this book, you’ll find a collection of joyful activities that allow parents of children ages 3 to 9 to unlock the therapeutic benefits of play.
From strengthening your bond to decreasing their screen dependency, Play Therapy Activities offers a variety of simple exercises that can help improve your child’s behavior, impulse control, self-awareness, and more. New to the idea of play therapy? This parent-friendly guide offers a comprehensive overview of the practice, as well as advice for making sure you and your child get the most out of your experiences together.
Play Therapy Activities provides:
Open the play therapy toolbox—Discover how you can help your child hone certain skills and behaviors with arts and crafts, relaxation and breathing activities, and more. 101 Fun activities—Whether it’s dancing, creating stories, or playing outside, discover on- and off-the-page activities (and tips!) for any number of occasions and moods. Play therapy revealed—Find out how and why play therapy is so effective, as well as the ways in which these activities can supplement actual play therapy.
Bring fun and skill-building games home with Play Therapy Activities.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
401 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 2, 2020
I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable, creative, as well as user-accessible.
I appreciated the beginning forward and explanation on how to use the book and the different ways the activities could be applicable to either a parent or caregiver or fellow play therapist. I liked that it also made it clear that unless done by an actual therapist that it is not indeed therapy but lovely games to play with either a child you were caring for or your own child.
Some of the games that stood out to me:
Story Stones, Magic Mailbox, Imagination Game, Wishing Garden, Feeling Scavenger Hunt, Walk Stop Sit, Sensation Walk, Bubble Freeze, Back to Back Breathing, and Mind Jar.
These not only had a whimsical and creative element about them but they could also be used by multiple parties. As many of these games and activities seemed most applicable to parents, while others would be incredibly inappropriate for a caregiver caring for a child with trauma.
That leads me into a couple of areas I had a concern, such as one of the first Snuggle activities instructing the child to sit in the adult’s lap and other forms of physical affection that could be harmful if done by a well-meaning adult not realizing possibly harm. In this regard, I wish there had been a bit more narrative, or possibly different categorization for parents, caregivers, therapists as each role has a different purpose and power in a situation.
Some activities I felt lacking:
Dreamcatchers: while there is made reference to an abbreviated understanding of what a dreamcatcher is, I feel a lot more sensitivity might be necessary for this area before creating or giving a Dreamcatcher to a child as an activity outside of an indigenous tribe. I recommend that this be looked into further.
Calm Place: This was an activity I loved! However, I felt at the supplemental page with a blank empty square was a bit redundant,
In that same vein of thought, I really do feel that the supplemental activities or pages could be improved up. In order to do the activity with food art, it would be near impossible to properly fill in the animals on the page given their size and simplicity. My thoughts here with low-income families who can use every resource they can get, and I’m buying this book I feel their resources may be limited,
I appreciated the beginning forward and explanation on how to use the book and the different ways the activities could be applicable to either a parent or caregiver or fellow play therapist. I liked that it also made it clear that unless done by an actual therapist that it is not indeed therapy but lovely games to play with either a child you were caring for or your own child.
Some of the games that stood out to me:
Story Stones, Magic Mailbox, Imagination Game, Wishing Garden, Feeling Scavenger Hunt, Walk Stop Sit, Sensation Walk, Bubble Freeze, Back to Back Breathing, and Mind Jar.
These not only had a whimsical and creative element about them but they could also be used by multiple parties. As many of these games and activities seemed most applicable to parents, while others would be incredibly inappropriate for a caregiver caring for a child with trauma.
That leads me into a couple of areas I had a concern, such as one of the first Snuggle activities instructing the child to sit in the adult’s lap and other forms of physical affection that could be harmful if done by a well-meaning adult not realizing possibly harm. In this regard, I wish there had been a bit more narrative, or possibly different categorization for parents, caregivers, therapists as each role has a different purpose and power in a situation.
Some activities I felt lacking:
Dreamcatchers: while there is made reference to an abbreviated understanding of what a dreamcatcher is, I feel a lot more sensitivity might be necessary for this area before creating or giving a Dreamcatcher to a child as an activity outside of an indigenous tribe. I recommend that this be looked into further.
Calm Place: This was an activity I loved! However, I felt at the supplemental page with a blank empty square was a bit redundant,
In that same vein of thought, I really do feel that the supplemental activities or pages could be improved up. In order to do the activity with food art, it would be near impossible to properly fill in the animals on the page given their size and simplicity. My thoughts here with low-income families who can use every resource they can get, and I’m buying this book I feel their resources may be limited,
January 29, 2024
*remarking because I don’t want to count towards my reading goal
Loved the simple & colorful presentation of this book! I found it to be helpful and easily applicable; it also provided a nice run down of play therapy that I believe would be beneficial for parents who are wanting to do play-therapy-esqe things with their kiddos. Overall, I really liked it! Lots of good ideas that I’ll use in my future practice!
Loved the simple & colorful presentation of this book! I found it to be helpful and easily applicable; it also provided a nice run down of play therapy that I believe would be beneficial for parents who are wanting to do play-therapy-esqe things with their kiddos. Overall, I really liked it! Lots of good ideas that I’ll use in my future practice!
August 23, 2023
Dive into transformative possibilities with "Play Therapy Activities: 101 Play-Based Exercises to Improve Behavior and Strengthen the Parent-Child Connection" by the adept Melissa LaVigne, LCSW RPT. A true gem, this book unfurls an extensive collection of play-based exercises ingeniously tailored to guide children through diverse emotional and behavioural landscapes.
As a seasoned registered play therapist, Melissa LaVigne masterfully demystifies the science and merits of play therapy, presenting it in a manner that is both lucid and captivating. Within these pages, she gives a stunning compendium of 101 activities, seamlessly blending accessibility with excitement for both children and facilitators. These activities are categorized into snuggle, sensory, movement, art, and mindfulness domains, each contributing uniquely to the child's holistic growth.
Each exercise, a masterpiece in its own right, follows a meticulously crafted format. Commencing with a clear goal, it delineates the path to desired outcomes. Comprehensive instructions and a list of materials ensure effortless execution, while inventive variations allow for adaptability to individual needs. The overarching purpose? To nurture behaviour enhancement and fortify the sacred parent-child bond whilst promoting emotional resilience and regulation.
Among these treasures, the "worry jar" stands out as a beacon of support for needy children. Within this activity, children inscribe or illustrate their worries onto paper, tenderly placing them within a bedecked receptacle. A cathartic exercise, it empowers youngsters to articulate their sentiments and confront challenges head-on. Meanwhile, the "imagination game" invites children on a joyous storytelling odyssey, weaving narratives with diverse characters and scenarios. This delightful endeavour unleashes the wings of creativity, all while nurturing connections of trust between youthful hearts and the guiding hands of the adults involved.
This book is an invaluable thread in the grand tapestry of child enrichment. It suits parents seeking to bolster their child's journey and anyone with a heart invested in kindling growth through play. Whether you're a dedicated educator, a nurturing caregiver, or a fellow play therapy traveller, the wisdom within these pages guides you towards meaningful interactions. In a world where the well-being of our children is paramount, "Play Therapy Activities" emerges as an indispensable companion, an ode to the flourishing of young lives.
As a seasoned registered play therapist, Melissa LaVigne masterfully demystifies the science and merits of play therapy, presenting it in a manner that is both lucid and captivating. Within these pages, she gives a stunning compendium of 101 activities, seamlessly blending accessibility with excitement for both children and facilitators. These activities are categorized into snuggle, sensory, movement, art, and mindfulness domains, each contributing uniquely to the child's holistic growth.
Each exercise, a masterpiece in its own right, follows a meticulously crafted format. Commencing with a clear goal, it delineates the path to desired outcomes. Comprehensive instructions and a list of materials ensure effortless execution, while inventive variations allow for adaptability to individual needs. The overarching purpose? To nurture behaviour enhancement and fortify the sacred parent-child bond whilst promoting emotional resilience and regulation.
Among these treasures, the "worry jar" stands out as a beacon of support for needy children. Within this activity, children inscribe or illustrate their worries onto paper, tenderly placing them within a bedecked receptacle. A cathartic exercise, it empowers youngsters to articulate their sentiments and confront challenges head-on. Meanwhile, the "imagination game" invites children on a joyous storytelling odyssey, weaving narratives with diverse characters and scenarios. This delightful endeavour unleashes the wings of creativity, all while nurturing connections of trust between youthful hearts and the guiding hands of the adults involved.
This book is an invaluable thread in the grand tapestry of child enrichment. It suits parents seeking to bolster their child's journey and anyone with a heart invested in kindling growth through play. Whether you're a dedicated educator, a nurturing caregiver, or a fellow play therapy traveller, the wisdom within these pages guides you towards meaningful interactions. In a world where the well-being of our children is paramount, "Play Therapy Activities" emerges as an indispensable companion, an ode to the flourishing of young lives.
May 29, 2023
I cannot praise this book high enough! I was doing a lot of research for Boys and Girls Club of Utah, because they will be opening their doors to students with disabilities after all these years since the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most of the people who work with children without disabilities in BGC will have no idea how to handle many of the problems that come with both physical and non-physical disabilities like ADHD and autism. So when I started writing a paper about all this, I was looking for several books on cognitive play therapy not just for kids with disabilities, but also for children who have occasional hard times with things like anxiety...especially anxiety now. All children experience anxiety at one time or another, and I found that many of the activities suggested in this book will be great for the kids to do whether or not they are disabled in any way. This book was a blessing in so many ways...I didn't use everything from the book, and I found other suggestions such as art therapy and physical activities because of the author's suggestions elsewhere...but this book is very much needed in the classroom and in after school programs. Highly recommended!
September 12, 2020
Loved this insightful and helpful book! Especially during Covid times. I really feel it is important to check in with your child and see how they are handling all these changes and this book does an excellent job of using Play Therapy techniques to do so. I really appreciated them reinforcing the fact that "play" and "play therapy" are two different things and both should be practiced while doing the activities in this book.
Chapter 9 was probably my favorite because it was very reflective and I found a lot of these activities could be used with the elderly (I work with the elderly and loved a lot of these activities).
I would definitely recommend this book for parents/teachers/grandparents/aunts and uncles/etc.
Also, my favorite was the resources at the end of the book! Very reassuring to see that!
Chapter 9 was probably my favorite because it was very reflective and I found a lot of these activities could be used with the elderly (I work with the elderly and loved a lot of these activities).
I would definitely recommend this book for parents/teachers/grandparents/aunts and uncles/etc.
Also, my favorite was the resources at the end of the book! Very reassuring to see that!
June 21, 2022
Kind of a weird book to me. Some of the ideas were just super obvious- building play forts, Simon says, etc, but other ideas were just strange. Lots of emphasis on kid’s emotions and how they’re feeeeling.
I don’t believe in emphasizing those things too much. I do think we should practice controlling, ignoring, even squelching our feelings and emotions. Life is not all about how we feel.
Not complete garbage. Some of the ideas can be taken with a grain of salt. Maybe helpful on a rainy day when you have no other ideas. 🤷♀️
I don’t believe in emphasizing those things too much. I do think we should practice controlling, ignoring, even squelching our feelings and emotions. Life is not all about how we feel.
Not complete garbage. Some of the ideas can be taken with a grain of salt. Maybe helpful on a rainy day when you have no other ideas. 🤷♀️
August 5, 2020
A True Gem
I love that this book is so easy to use. It is written in simple words, clear explanation of activities, and consistent elements for each activity through out. I can quickly choose an activity from the toolbox section and jump right in. I will continue to use and share such an amazing resource.
I love that this book is so easy to use. It is written in simple words, clear explanation of activities, and consistent elements for each activity through out. I can quickly choose an activity from the toolbox section and jump right in. I will continue to use and share such an amazing resource.
October 11, 2021
Play Therapy Activities by Melissa Lavigne gives so much insight into the thought process and feelings of toddlers and young children. I really appreciated the activities to try at home and gave us something different to do through all this difficult pandemic parenting.
Thank you to #netgalley for the early read.
Thank you to #netgalley for the early read.
November 19, 2024
It took me 2+ years to get through all the activities with my kids. There were a handful that I really enjoyed, but most of them I kind of dreaded doing. It says 3-8 years but I would say 5-8 is more appropriate for most of them. I liked a few of the deep breathing exercises and could see using those in our lives but most of them were complicated and not that fun.
August 22, 2024
Better book for parents than clinicians, but there are some activities I would recommend to help build the parent-child relationship between sessions.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews