Play-Doh-nary
Source: Christy L. Livingston
Theme: Engagement and Assessment
Recommended Age Range: Children, Adolescents, Adults; Ages Three +
Treatment Modality: Individual, Group, Family
Goals
•
Build rapport between client(s) and therapist(s)
•Evaluate fine motor skills
•Utilize alternative forms of expression using creative mediums
Materials
•Play-Doh
•Timer
•Pen or Pencil (for scoring)
•Paper (for scoring)
•Facilitators may use the Cranium game
SculptoradesTM for similar materials
Description
Decide who goes first by asking the client to choose or by finding the
person whose birthday is up next. Shuffle the subject cards and place
them in a pile, face down.
The first person picks up a card and reads it, without revealing the subject to the other players. Turn over the timer and begin to sculpt, using the Play-Doh, the item on the subject card.
The first person to guess the subject item correctly wins the point. If no one guesses correctly by the end of the timer, no one gets the point. The winner is decided by tallying who collected the most points at the end of the game.
Process Question: What was the most frustrating part of this game?
Discussion
The subject cards include feeling words and items to prompt discussion. Many of the items are already utilized as materials in the play therapy room; the subject cards may help the client(s) become more familiar with play therapy resources. Also included are six blank subject cards for the facilitator to add extra items, if desired. He or she may choose to adapt the subject cards to each specific situation or presenting problem.
In discussion of the process question, the client(s) may express having felt frustrated during certain portions of the game. It may be beneficial to discuss where these feelings came from and how it affected their ability to communicate with one another.
This game may be modified depending on the treatment modality. In group or family sessions, clients may choose to form teams. This will help increase group cohesion and social skills building. Special consideration must be made to individuals with a disability; quadriplegic and blind individuals may not be able to sculpt the subject. The therapist may adapt the game to meet each client’s needs.
E-mail Address: christy.livingston@yahoo.com
