Today we had a lovely, thoughtfully designed Stay and Play 'Theraplay' session. Vicky, a nurture leader, set a positive and enthusiastic tone by asking parents and children to engage in a warm and inviting welcoming song that immediately fostered a sense of safety and belonging for both parent and child. During refreshments Vicky noted everyone's name and had a casual chat.
Outside Activity
Vicky encouraged early engagement and interaction by asking everyone to go to the playground, set up stations and each pupil walked around all of these with a beanbag balancing on his/her head assisted by parent. The simple activity illustrated the supporting dynamic between parent and child.
Inside activity
Parents were encouraged to blow bubbles to their child and the child popped the bubbles using different fingers and then clapped other bubbles. Smiles and eye contact were evident as they blew the bubbles to each other, laying the foundation for connection.
Sensory Touch
Vicky showed and demonstrated a range of sensory objects found at home such as paint brushes, make-up brushes, rollers, sponges etc. to promote sensory touch while also helping language development, body awareness, fine motor skills and sensory exploration.
Massage and Handprints
The parents massaged cream in child's hand and each child did the same to parents hand, they made hand prints on black card. The cards were covered in talc to reveal the handprints of parent and child. These were brought home as a visual to remember the session.
Each parent thanked Vicky and received a beautifully coloured and illustrated package of simple Theraplay activities that Vicky demonstrated can be done at home. We look forward to our last 'Stay and Play' session in a few weeks time before we break up for the Summer holidays.
