Introduction For this play activity, we will be considering the following vignette: Amy is a 13-year-old child diagnosed with Down syndrome who has recently been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is able to read at a 5-7-year-old level. The play activity chosen for this scenario is syringe spin art using a salad spinner. This play activity proposal will include a detailed plan for the play activity, a list of materials needed, an explanation of why this activity was chosen (including goals and what is hoped to be accomplished), and an explanation for parents through the use of a script.
Detailed Instruction Plan for the Play Activity
Play Activity:
Syringe Spin Art (with a salad spinner to allow for more mastery, control, …show more content…
When considering socialization, and depending on the setting of this activity, if this play activity was implemented in the playroom this could open communication and socialization with peers in the hospital setting across developmental/chronological ages. In reference to the goals of creative or emotional expression, mastery, control, choice, and autonomy, this activity allows for children to pick and choose exactly how they want to participate in the activity. This is a child-directed activity where Amy is able to express herself emotionally/creatively and decide how to do so through the materials provided to her. Lastly, in considering the goal of informal medical play through desensitization to medical implements and possible education, I originally found this topic and a list of potential play activities, all similar to my own, in a child life text book about informal medical play. When in the hospital, children often encounter unpredictable and frightening medical procedures that cause pain. The pain experienced and the medical equipment present at the time of the procedure can be associated with negative emotional and psychosocial implications. Even medical instruments that are associated with little pain can …show more content…
She can read books that are written at a 5-7-year-old level, but I promise she knows more than she says she knows. She is in an inclusion classroom and has a lot of friends and she is always called a ‘favorite patient.’ Since her ALL diagnosis, Amy has become afraid of needles, syringes, and medicine cups that are in the room during treatment. She has also been anxious and worried about this all.”
ME: “Part of my job is to provide play opportunities for children because it is important that kids stay kids, even in the hospital! Something that I would suggest with Amy is informal medical play using syringes, medicine cups, and art materials. The idea is that she will see the medical equipment being used in a fun way and it will become less scary to her over time. The activity is perfect for her developmental age, is somewhat educational, allows her to have some control, and is fun! Is this something that you think Amy would be interested in?”
MOM: “I think she would like that and I just want her to be less afraid. We are both so worried about her health and well-being… She needs to go back to being carefree and have some
Detailed Instruction Plan for the Play Activity
Play Activity:
Syringe Spin Art (with a salad spinner to allow for more mastery, control, …show more content…
When considering socialization, and depending on the setting of this activity, if this play activity was implemented in the playroom this could open communication and socialization with peers in the hospital setting across developmental/chronological ages. In reference to the goals of creative or emotional expression, mastery, control, choice, and autonomy, this activity allows for children to pick and choose exactly how they want to participate in the activity. This is a child-directed activity where Amy is able to express herself emotionally/creatively and decide how to do so through the materials provided to her. Lastly, in considering the goal of informal medical play through desensitization to medical implements and possible education, I originally found this topic and a list of potential play activities, all similar to my own, in a child life text book about informal medical play. When in the hospital, children often encounter unpredictable and frightening medical procedures that cause pain. The pain experienced and the medical equipment present at the time of the procedure can be associated with negative emotional and psychosocial implications. Even medical instruments that are associated with little pain can …show more content…
She can read books that are written at a 5-7-year-old level, but I promise she knows more than she says she knows. She is in an inclusion classroom and has a lot of friends and she is always called a ‘favorite patient.’ Since her ALL diagnosis, Amy has become afraid of needles, syringes, and medicine cups that are in the room during treatment. She has also been anxious and worried about this all.”
ME: “Part of my job is to provide play opportunities for children because it is important that kids stay kids, even in the hospital! Something that I would suggest with Amy is informal medical play using syringes, medicine cups, and art materials. The idea is that she will see the medical equipment being used in a fun way and it will become less scary to her over time. The activity is perfect for her developmental age, is somewhat educational, allows her to have some control, and is fun! Is this something that you think Amy would be interested in?”
MOM: “I think she would like that and I just want her to be less afraid. We are both so worried about her health and well-being… She needs to go back to being carefree and have some