Helpful Information

Play as Therapy – Messages from Maxx

  • There are different ways a child can practise one goal – e.g. Maxx practised standing balance not only in stomping on the rocket launcher, but also in playing soccer and kicking and jumping on the trampoline.
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  • Different strategies work well for different kids to keep them interested and try for longer – e.g. counting worked for Maxx to practice kicking for longer.
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  • Share roles in an activity to help kids feel supported and give them more control – e.g. Maxx did the stomping and chose the angle, while Monica moved and held the rocket launcher.
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  • To develop different skills or practise the next level in a skill (easy to more difficult), slightly change one part of the activity – e.g. Maxx started kicking a stationary ball, then tried kicking a moving ball and lastly enjoyed kicking his soccer ball on the trampoline.
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  • Make a game out of an activity so your child wants to practice for longer – e.g. The traffic light game made it more fun for Maxx to work on pushing the pedals over.
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  • Add imaginary play into an activity to include other skills like social and language skills- e.g. Maxx joined in playing the ‘policeman’ game with Monica.