Learn to Play (Directive therapy)

The Learn to Play Therapy intervention (developed by Karen Stagnitti) is a directive therapeutic approach aiming to develop and build pretend play skills in children. Learn to Play focuses specifically on pretend play as this is the most complex and mature form of play. Pretend play encourages the development of core skills including the ability to be creative, have emotional understanding, self-regulation, divergent thinking, social competence and many more.

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Whilst many think that play comes naturally to a child, the complex nature of pretend play can mean that many children will not develop this skill naturally. Therefore, the Learn to Play intervention is suitable for children aged 2-9 years old who may have difficulties with their play. This could include children who:

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• Struggle to interact or stay engaged with peer.

• Have delayed expressive and receptive language.

• Are highly anxious in social situations. 

• Are not socially aware of others.

• Have restricted and repetitive play ideas.

• Destroys play scenes created by siblings or peers.

• Struggles with stories and thinking logically about what might happen next in a story.

• Lack consistent ability to follow multiple step instructions.

 

The intervention is driven by the therapist and activities are selected based on individual goals, their interests, and their strengths. The therapist models and scaffolds play ideas within the child’s individual capacity, to support the development of their pretend play abilities. Children are then able to transfer these learnt skills from the playroom, into their own world outside the playroom.