The aim of the Learn to Play Program is to support children to develop the ability to self-initiate their own play. It aims to develop pretend play skills to the expected developmental stage of the child, assisting their ability to join in play with their peers. 
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The Learn to Play Program runs for eight sessions, each session building on each other to work towards set goals.
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‍As the child’s skills for pretend play develop, the therapist will take a less directive approach, allowing the child to lead in play. This process allows the child to practice their developing play skills such as role play, sequence of events, object substitution, adding depth to narratives and more.

We use an assessment tool to measure the child’s pretend play abilities, and from this assessment, set goals. As the child progresses through the program, so will their goals.
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The assessment is non-confronting and the child will not feel as though they are being assessed or have any pressure to perform a certain way. The therapist will set up a play scene that is developmentally appropriate for the child. This play scene will include structured toys (for example: people, animals, doll, car) and non-structured toys (for example: a box, fabric, cardboard tube, icy pole stick). As the child engages in play the therapist will be observing the following play skills; play scripts, sequence of play actions, object substitution, doll/teddy play, role play and social interaction.  

Playfully designed

This program is designed to be fun and enjoyable to the child. The child will feel as though they and the therapist are playing together. When necessary, the therapist will role model play actions, add detail to play scripts, or add challenges to assist the child to problem solve. From this assessment the therapist will set goals and different play activities for the following week.