Learn to Play was developed by Karen Stagnitti based on her work and research in pretend play development. It is a directive approach that assesses the six pretend play skills of play scripts, sequences of play actions, object substitution, doll/teddy play, role play and social interaction. Play skills are assessed during the initial child session using the Pretend Play Enjoyment Developmental Checklist (PPE-DC).

Learn to Play uses the overarching theories of Play Therapy, including Axline’s principles of universal positive regard (UPR) for the child, developing a therapeutic relationship, and creating a safe and permissive environment. It works within the child’s zone of proximal development, scaffolding them to build upon their existing skills. There is a sequence of development of each skill, built upon through the principles of meeting the child where they are at, modelling and tracking play, repetition of activities with variation, and enabling the child to lead play as they are able. In time, your child will transfer these skills into other play situations.

The Learn to Pay program can benefit children with various conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Expressive and Receptive Language delays, social anxiety or lack of social awareness, interference or destruction of play scenes of siblings or peers and poor narrative language and understanding.
Shannon is a certified Learn to Play therapist and will help you decide in the initial parent intake meeting to see if Learn to Play could benefit your child.
In some cases, pretend play skills must be developed to participate in Humanistic Play Therapy as a level of play is required. Your therapist will discuss this with you if needed.