The Playroom and Toys

The playroom creates the first impression on a child, so it is important that the room feels warm, inviting, open and child-friendly. The playroom should be big enough for one or two children to move freely and can accommodate the therapist without getting in the child’s way. A window to the outside of the room, with a blind/curtain, is recommended. Vinyl tiles work the best for the floor because they are easy to clean. A sink with running water is very useful although I have worked in rooms without a sink. In that case you could use a camping water can with a tap to wash hands. Storage cabinets are useful to keep your extra toys, paint, sand and art supplies. A white board mounted on the wall provides a versatile platform for drawing and writing. A typical playroom needs shelves by the wall for arranging toys, sandtray miniatures, art supplies etc. The shelves should be at a child’s height- no higher than 38 inches. The playroom should be kept clean and tidy. It should be neat; but inviting to a child at the same time.

Toys and material for the playroom   

                  

Toys are children’s words so they should be selected to serve as a medium to facilitate feelings, expressions, exploration and promote understanding of self. Toys need to be durable and inviting. There should not be too many toys because the child might feel overwhelmed. The toys should be kept on the same spot, are easily accessible and clean. Electronic games are not appropriate for the play therapy. Because of their preprogrammed nature; they do not encourage creativity or expressions.  

Real life toys- Dolls ( including a doll family), play bottles, puppets, doll house, doctor’s kit, cash register, play kitchen and cooking set, plastic fruits, vegetables and other food, phone, small cars, airplanes, dress-up cloths, full size mirror, hand-cuffs, wood-workshop (if possible),

Aggressive-acting out toys- Action figures, aggressive animals like alligators, tigers, bull etc., punching bag, toy soldiers

Arts and creative toys – Various art supplies like crayons, markers, pipe-cleaners, glitter glue, watercolors, tempera colors, construction paper, stamps, an easel with big paper, water play, sand tray, play-dough, blocks, Legos, musical instruments, puppet theater

                                                                                    Source: Garry Landreth(2012)