Play

How is play defined in the AOTA OTPF-4?

• Activities that are intrinsically motivated, internally, controlled and freely chosen 

• May include suspension of reality, exploration, humor, risk-taking, contests and celebrations 

• Complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon that is shaped by sociocultural factors. 

What are the different types of play? - Sensorimotor or Exploratory

• Corresponds to Piaget’s sensorimotor stage of cognitive development 

• Explore what objects do and what one can do with an object 

• Use of all the senses

What are the different types of play? - Object Play

• Manipulate items in their environment - like blocks, toys, or household objects (to explore, learn and develop physical, cognitive, and social skills through actions like stacking, throwing, sorting, and pretend scenarios)

What are the different types of play? - Parallel Play

• Play side-by-side with similar toys or activities but without direct interaction 

• Observing and learning from each other while building independence, awareness of peers, and foundational social skills. 

What are the different types of play? - Physical (Activity)

• Rough and tumble 

• Exercise as play 

• Play fighting 

What are the different types of play? - Social Play

• Starts with simple interactions like smiling, cooing, and peek-a-boo 

• Progressing to parallel play 

• Next comes playing with each other, sharing toys and ideas, but may not have a shared purpose (e.g., building separate things)

• Cooperative play is when it is more organized with shared goals, rules, and assigned roles (like playing house or tag)

What are the different types of play? - Risk Play

Heights, speeds, dangerous aspects 

What are the different types of play? - Symbolic

Themes sequences, object substitution, role-play

What are some therapeutic considerations for play in therapy

• Child's interest

• Supports or constraints 

• Structured or unstructured 

• Safety 

• Time 

• Goals 

• Ease of variability 

• Modifications or adaptations needed 

• Individual or group 

• Toy or materials selection 

Toy or Materials Selection: Motor Requirements

 Position, posture, mobility, range of movements, dexterity, bilateral hand use, coordination, motor planning, strength, and endurance (Level of motor skills required).

Toy or Materials Selection: Sensory Requirements

Sensory input and feedback and sensory discrimination (sensory properties of the toy) 

Toy or Materials Selection: Cognitive Requirement

Attention span, concentration, memory, planning, problem-solving, level of arousal, judgment, understanding, and learning (Does the toy require creativity or curiosity)

Toy or Materials Selection: Perceptual Requirements

Matching by size, shape, or quantity, distinguishing left from right, figure-ground perception, depth perception, or visual perceptual motor integration (Is the toy visually pleasing to the child). 

Toy or Materials Selection: Social-Emotional Aspects

Structured or unstructured toys, creativity and expression, motivation, interaction, cooperation, sharing, turn-taking, choice, control, and challenge (can the child play with the toy themselves)