Course Description
Individual and group programming for children and adolescents based upon current theory, research, and developmentally appropriate practice. Special emphasis will be placed upon the integration and implementation of therapeutic activities, including art, music, movement, and dramatic and medical play, particularly in the healthcare context.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will: 1) have readings in addition to those
assigned to the undergraduate students; 2) conduct a special
presentation/lesson for their peers on a course-related
topic of their choice, along with distribution of a detailed
handout for class members; and 3) prepare an
application/theoretical paper suitable for submission to a
relevant journal or newsletter.
Athena Title
Therapeutic Benefits of Play
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HDFS 5130S or HDFS 7130S
Undergraduate Prerequisite
HDFS 2950-2950L or HDFS 2950E
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Compare and contrast classical and contemporary theories of play and their role in development. 2. Differentiate the stages of child development and the associated stages of play. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the value and characteristics of play, with an emphasis on the therapeutic aspects of play. 4. Identify developmentally appropriate toys and materials that can be incorporated into either a permanent or traveling play room. 5. Demonstrate effective observation and assessment of children's play. 6. Demonstrate the ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate play activities for children in traditional and non- traditional settings, with an emphasis on the healthcare context. 7. Compile a collection of creative activity ideas and materials to use with children in the areas of music and movement, art, sensory, dramatic play, and technology. 8. Identify methods for modifying play activities for children with limited mobility and/or cognitive delays. 9. Be familiar with the psychological, behavior, and physiological benefits of therapeutic play in the healthcare context.
Topical Outline
1. Orientation to Course 2. Classical and Contemporary Theories of Play 3. Developmental Stages of Play 4. The Development of Dramatic Play 5. Value and Characteristics of Play 6. What is Therapeutic Play? 7. Therapeutic Play Activities Incorporating Art, Music, Movement, Technology, Outdoors, Animal-Assistance, and Sensory Aspects 8. Using Play as Preparation in Healthcare Context 9. Using Play as Coping in Healthcare Context 10. Using Play as Normative Activity in Healthcare Context 11. Guiding and Structuring Therapeutic Play Sessions 12. Accommodating Play for Youth with Limited Mobility, Cognitive Delays 13. Psychological, Behavior, and Physiological Benefits of Therapeutic Play in Healthcare Context 14. Including Parents and Siblings in Play
Syllabus