No matter if we want it to be or not, summer is coming to an end, and it’s time to head back to school. In our house this week that means meet the teacher nights, packing lunches, and (trying to) get to bed earlier than we have all summer. And along with the kids, I will have my first day back to school this week as well. I’m excited to see the students I work with and hear about how they spent their summer. I’m also fortunate enough to have an office space dedicated to me and the work I do in play therapy. So if you are wondering what to add to your school-based office this year, here are my top 5 favorite toys (and no, fidget spinners did not make the list).
1. Dollhouse and Furniture
The first year I was in my school I did not have a dollhouse. Most dollhouses are large and wouldn’t fit well in my small office. In addition, most are costly, and you will quickly learn that I am all about finding the bargains when it comes to play therapy toys. So I was very excited when I found this dollhouse from IKEA. The house gets used in almost all of my play therapy sessions.
Pros:
Click here to link to it.
The first year I was in my school I did not have a dollhouse. Most dollhouses are large and wouldn’t fit well in my small office. In addition, most are costly, and you will quickly learn that I am all about finding the bargains when it comes to play therapy toys. So I was very excited when I found this dollhouse from IKEA. The house gets used in almost all of my play therapy sessions.
Pros:
- Sturdy, neutral in color and easy to play in with its open floor plan
- Easy assembly (my son had fun helping me assemble it!)
- IKEA also offers the coordinating furniture that I have purchased as well
Click here to link to it.
2. Family Figures
If you have been to any of my trainings, you have heard me rave about these. I discovered them last year at the APT conference. In fact, my dollhouse started being used a whole lot more once I acquired these figures. I had other family dolls for the house, but the appeal of these is they can be ANYONE! Like most toys I find, these are not marketed as play therapy toys, but they will be a real asset to your school office.
Pros:
Here's where you can get yours.
If you have been to any of my trainings, you have heard me rave about these. I discovered them last year at the APT conference. In fact, my dollhouse started being used a whole lot more once I acquired these figures. I had other family dolls for the house, but the appeal of these is they can be ANYONE! Like most toys I find, these are not marketed as play therapy toys, but they will be a real asset to your school office.
Pros:
- They come in different sizes and colors and even include pets!
- They not only work great in the dollhouse, but in the sandtray
Here's where you can get yours.
3. Todd Parr's Feeling Flashcards
If you aren't familiar with Todd Parr's books and other fun materials, you need to check them out! One of my favorites is the Feeling Flashcards. I like to use them to help kids check in about how they're feeling that week , as well as basic feeling identification.
Pros:
You can get your set here.
If you aren't familiar with Todd Parr's books and other fun materials, you need to check them out! One of my favorites is the Feeling Flashcards. I like to use them to help kids check in about how they're feeling that week , as well as basic feeling identification.
Pros:
- Fun and colorful way to help kids share feelings
- Illustrations are marvelous - kids love them!
You can get your set here.
4. Sand
My clients love the sand! Some will use it to make a sandtray, and many enjoy it for relaxation and calming as well. My favorite sand is the Sandtastik brand.
Pros:
Click here for my favorite Sandtastik sand.
I know there are some play therapists who are concerned about the mess factor of sand, and I totally understand that. But the sensory quality of sand is essential. If you are looking for sand that is still a ton of fun and easier to clean up, check out kinetic sand.
My clients love the sand! Some will use it to make a sandtray, and many enjoy it for relaxation and calming as well. My favorite sand is the Sandtastik brand.
Pros:
- Comes in several different colors
- Glitters and shines when the light hits it
- It's so soft!
Click here for my favorite Sandtastik sand.
I know there are some play therapists who are concerned about the mess factor of sand, and I totally understand that. But the sensory quality of sand is essential. If you are looking for sand that is still a ton of fun and easier to clean up, check out kinetic sand.
5. Nerf Hoop and Ball
It's so hard to narrow it down to just five toys! But when I think about not only my favorites, but the toys that get the most use in my office, the Nerf hoop and ball have to be in the top five. Kids love letting off steam in my office by shooting a few hoops or checking out my poor athletic skills by challenging me to a game of "horse."
I have also come up with some play therapy interventions that make use of the Nerf hoop and ball. One of these involves writing different feeling words on pieces of paper. The client places the papers in different locations around the office. Whenever it is someone's turn, they decide which paper to shoot from and stand on that one. If they make the basket, they share a time they felt that feeling or a coping skill they use when they have that feeling. Fun, feelings and exercise all in one!
You can get a Nerf hoop here.
It's so hard to narrow it down to just five toys! But when I think about not only my favorites, but the toys that get the most use in my office, the Nerf hoop and ball have to be in the top five. Kids love letting off steam in my office by shooting a few hoops or checking out my poor athletic skills by challenging me to a game of "horse."
I have also come up with some play therapy interventions that make use of the Nerf hoop and ball. One of these involves writing different feeling words on pieces of paper. The client places the papers in different locations around the office. Whenever it is someone's turn, they decide which paper to shoot from and stand on that one. If they make the basket, they share a time they felt that feeling or a coping skill they use when they have that feeling. Fun, feelings and exercise all in one!
You can get a Nerf hoop here.
So hopefully that gives you a good start in kicking off the school year with some new play therapy toys for your office. And if you want to learn a lot more about using play therapy in schools, then be sure to check out my upcoming training, "Play Therapy in a School Setting" on 10/20/17 at www.playtherapystlmo.com/trainings.
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