play

Creates a framework that takes into account the psychosocial and cognitive development of children in order to improve the emotional and physical well-being of hospitalised children

Acts as a form of communication

acts a link to home

helps children maintain their self-esteem

theupeutic play can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety

allows the children to get used to the hospital environment

• Sensorimotor
• pre-operational
• concrete
• formal

4 developmental stages a child must go through

Object permience, tells children that object still exist when you can't see them

gain info through senses sight, taste and play etc.

Children will eventually understand symbolic understanding and reasoning

Objects have meaning, needed to be able to explain complex concepts to them, helps with playing make-believe

Play that main goal is to provide the emotional well-being of the child,

also the healthcare staff the observe the child and gain insight into the child's problems and explore unresolved trauma

play that aims to promote the child's coping with new and unfamiliar medical experiences, such as invasive procedures or treatments

blowing bubbles

Play that is used to support families in understanding and coping with the hospital treatments and procedures

• Unoccupied
• solitary
• onlooker
• parallel
• associative 
• co-operative

help to develop social skills that are important

allows children to practice manipulating materials

mastering self-control

learning how the world works

e.g. child picking up and shaking objects

play when the child is playing alone. Allows them to explore the world in their own way. This is done by touching and tasting things. Enjoy hearing their own voice.

develop fine motor skills and cognitive skills

Play when the child plays next to other children but they do not interact. around 2-3 years old.

children begin interacting in a more physical way (3-4)


Mimic other actions of children nearby, maybe share toys. This form of play lacks rules or structure

use their new found social skills to engage it other children

Kids are more social, they learn to communicate and thrive. This play feeds into success in a school environment

learn co-operation

Children are building their cognitive skills by learning their actions from others

increases concentration and memory