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Playful Pathways

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Lesson Plan

Playful Pathways

Play Therapy Lessons

This series of play therapy lessons is designed for second-grade students to explore emotions, build social skills, and enhance self-awareness through play. Each session incorporates experiential learning, trauma-informed teaching, and collaborative learning strategies to create a safe and engaging environment. These lessons are crucial for fostering emotional resilience and promoting positive interactions among students. Trauma-informed practices are integrated to ensure a supportive and healing environment, focusing on safety, trust, and empowerment.

Audience

Second Grade Students

Time

8 lessons, 30 minutes each

Approach

Experiential Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Toys and props for role-playing, Art supplies (crayons, paper, markers), Discussion questions, Scenario cards, and Progress monitoring tools

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome students and explain the purpose of play therapy using child-friendly language.
  • Discuss the importance of expressing emotions and working together, emphasizing the benefits of play in learning and emotional growth.
  • Establish a safe and supportive environment by setting clear expectations and ensuring students feel comfortable and respected.

Step 2

Activity

15 mins

  • Engage students in a play-based activity (e.g., role-playing, art creation) that aligns with the day's theme, incorporating trauma-informed practices to ensure students feel safe and supported.
  • Art Activity Example 1: Create a "Feelings Collage" where students use magazine cutouts, drawings, and words to express different emotions. This activity helps students identify and articulate their feelings in a creative and non-threatening way.
  • Art Activity Example 2: Design "Emotion Masks" using paper plates and art supplies. Students can create masks that represent different emotions, which can help them explore and express feelings they might find difficult to verbalize.
  • Art Activity Example 3: Paint a "Calm Scene" where students use watercolors to paint a scene that makes them feel peaceful and relaxed. This activity encourages mindfulness and helps students focus on positive imagery.
  • Encourage students to express their feelings and thoughts during the activity, using mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness and promote a sense of calm.

Step 3

Discussion

7 mins

  • Facilitate a group discussion using prepared questions to reflect on the activity, encouraging students to use trauma-informed language to describe their experiences.
  • Promote active listening and empathy by guiding students to share their experiences and listen to others, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment.

Step 4

Closure

3 mins

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson, reinforcing the use of trauma-informed strategies for emotional regulation.
  • Encourage students to think about how they can apply what they've learned in their daily lives, using specific examples of trauma-informed practices to support their well-being.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions for Play Therapy

These questions are designed to guide discussions after play therapy activities, helping students reflect on their experiences and emotions using trauma-informed language.

How did you feel during the activity?

Encourage students to use feeling words and share openly, ensuring they feel safe and supported.







What was your favorite part of the activity?

Guide students to think about what they enjoyed and why, focusing on positive experiences and feelings of safety.







Did you learn anything new about yourself or others?

Help students reflect on personal insights and social interactions, using trauma-informed language to articulate their thoughts.







How can you use what you learned today in other situations?

Encourage students to think about applying skills in real-life contexts, referencing specific trauma-informed practices to support their well-being.







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Worksheet

Progress Monitoring Tools

These tools are designed to help educators track students' emotional and social development throughout the play therapy lessons.

Rate your feelings before and after the activity on a scale of 1-5.

1 being very sad or anxious, 5 being very happy or calm.







What new emotion did you learn about today?








Describe a moment when you felt supported during the activity.








How can you use what you learned today to help a friend?








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Playful Pathways • Lenny Learning