TURN THE PAGE FOR PLAY THERAPY ACTIVITIES
A Research-based Book on Play Therapy Activities
By DR. Michele Neace & Dr. Joy Wilson
The authors have 30 years combined experience in schools, private practice, mental health agencies and college teaching. They state that as a treatment option for children and adolescents, play therapy has been recommended by a variety of helping professionals as “a well-thought-out, philosophically conceived, developmentally based, and research-supported approach to helping children cope with and overcome problems.” The research-based articles cited for this book are:
Carmichael, K.D. Play therapy: An introduction. Glenview, IL: Prentice Hall; 2006.
Gil, E. Healing powers of play: Working with abused children. New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 1991.
Green, E. and Christensen, T. M. Elementary school children’s perceptions of play therapy in school settings. International Journal of Play Therapy. 2006; 15(1): 65–85.
Landreth, G.L., Homeyer, L., Glover, G., and Sweeney, D. Play therapy interventions with children’s problems. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson; 1996.
Landreth, G., Sweeney, D., Ray, D., Homeyer, L. & Glover, G. Play therapy interventions with children’s problems, 2nd ed. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, Inc; 2005.
Lambert, S., LeBlanc, M., Mullen, J., Ray, D., Baggerly, J., White, J., & Kaplan, D. Learning more about those who play in session: The national play therapy in counseling practices project. International Journal of Play Therapy. (2005); 14(2): 7–23.
Sandhu, D. Elementary school counseling in the new millennium. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association; 2001.
TURN THE PAGE FOR PLAY THERAPY ACTIVITIES
ALL BOTTLED UP
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
PS:A2.7 Know that communication involves speaking, listening and nonverbal behavior
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
BAG IT!
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.7 Recognize personal boundaries, rights and privacy needs
PS:A1.8 Understand the need for self-control and how to practice it
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.2 Respect alternative points of view
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.4 Recognize, accept, and appreciate ethnic and cultural diversity
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
PS:B1.8 Know when peer pressure is influencing a decision
PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
CIRCLE OF STRENGTH
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.9 Demonstrate cooperative behavior in groups
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
CIRCLE OF CHANGE
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.1 Recognize that everyone has rights and responsibilities
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.4 Recognize, accept, and appreciate ethnic and cultural diversity
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.5 Differentiate between situations requiring peer support and situations requiring adult professional help
PS:C1.6 Identify resource people in the school and community, and know how to seek their help
PS:C1.9 Learn how to cope with peer pressure
FEELINGS MATCH GAME
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes and beliefs
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.9 Demonstrate cooperative behavior in groups
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
FISHING FOR FEELINGS
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
PS:A2.7 Know that communication involves speaking, listening and nonverbal behavior
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
HELPING HAND GAME
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.3 Learn the goal-setting process
PS:A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior
PS:A1.7 Recognize personal boundaries, rights and privacy needs
PS:A1.8 Understand the need for self-control and how to practice it
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.9 Identify long- and short-term goals
PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.6 Identify resource people in the school and community, and know how to seek their help
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
I LOVE ME, I LOVE ME NOT!
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes and beliefs
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.1 Recognize that everyone has rights and responsibilities
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
IF I COULD TALK TO THE ANIMALS
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior PS:A2
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.4 Recognize, accept, and appreciate ethnic and cultural diversity
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.2 Understand consequences of decisions and choices
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.6 Identify resource people in the school and community, and know how to seek their help
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
KEEPING AFLOAT
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior
PS:A1.7 Recognize personal boundaries, rights and privacy needs
PS:A1.12 Idenify and recognize changing family roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.11 Use persistence and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills
<Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.5 Differentiate between situations requiring peer support and situations requiring adult professional help
PS:C1.6 Identify resource people in the school and community, and know how to seek their help
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
LEAVES ON YOUR FAMILY TREE
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A1.12 Identify and recognize changing family roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.5 Recognize and respect differences in various family configurations
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
LIFE PATH
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events
PEACE QUILT
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.3 Learn the goal-setting process
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
READY TO BLOOM
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.3 Learn the goal-setting process
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.1 Recognize that everyone has rights and responsibilities
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions
PS:B1.10 Identify alternative ways of achieving goals
UNIQUE AND SPECIAL
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
WINGS: WHAT LIFTS YOU UP?
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes and beliefs
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings behavior
PS:A1.10 Identify personal strengths and assets
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
WHAT’S THE TIME?
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes and beliefs
PS:A1.4 Understand change is a part of growth
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A1.12 Identify and recognize changing family roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.1 Recognize that everyone has rights and responsibilities
PS:A2.5 Recognize and respect differences in various family configurations
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.11 Use persistence and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.5 Differentiate between situations requiring peer support and situations requiring adult professional help
PS:C1.6 Identify resource people in the school and community, and know how to seek their help
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
WHAT’S THE PRIZE INSIDE?
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes and beliefs
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.9 Demonstrate cooperative behavior in groups
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
WHERE DOES IT STING?
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Standard A: Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
PS:A1 Acquire Self-Knowledge
PS:A1.1 Develop positive attitudes toward self as a unique and worthy person
PS:A1.5 Identify and express feelings
PS:A1.11 Identify and discuss changing personal and social roles
PS:A2 Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:A2.6 Use effective communication skills
PS:A2.7 Know that communication involves speaking, listening and nonverbal behavior
PS:A2.8 Learn how to make and keep friends
Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
PS:B1 Self-Knowledge Application
PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems
PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences
Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills.
PS:C1 Acquire Personal Safety Skills
PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices
PS:C1.9 Learn how to cope with peer pressure
PS:C1.10 Learn techniques for managing stress and conflict
PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events.
American School Counselor Association (2004). ASCA
National Standards for Students. Alexandria, VA: Copyright 2004 by the American School Counselor Association
TURN THE PAGE FOR PLAY THERAPY ACTIVITI © 2008 MARCO PRODUCTS, INC. 1443 OLD YORK ROAD, WARMINSTER, PA 18974
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