Ashley Font Activity Portfolio #11

Facilitation Technique Category: Therapeutic Use of Play

Activity Title: Sandpit Treasure Hunt
Source: Durr, J. (2015, September 24). Its playtime. Retrieved November 18, 2016, from Do (Activities
by Subject), http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/59711/12-kinetic-sand-play-ideas
Equipment: Kinetic sand, Sandpit, Different treasures (ex. Coins, gems, rings, etc.), Shovel, Treasure
box
Activity Description: Therapeutic use of play provides an opportunity for children to utilize their
creativity to create learning and cope with various emotions. Play has a positive affect and is an active
engagement with other participants. The purpose of the activity Sandpit Treasure Hunt is to socially
interact with others while coping. Clues are given as to where the sandpit that contains the treasure can
be found. Once the participants have found the sandpit with an X on it for X marks the spot, 2-3
participants are to use the shovels to dig out treasures within the sandpit. Each participant is to keep the
treasure they scooped out in their own treasure box. At the end of the session participants are to share
their treasures amongst each other. Conclude the activity with discussing the benefits and difficulties
regarding the activity.
Leader Considerations: CTRS functions as an instructor for this activity. He/she helps lead the
participants to the treasure (sandpit). The therapist must be well aware of the meaning of play and
incorporate motivation as a factor to get participants to join in on the fun. The staff to participants ratio
is 1:3. In order to focus on each player with full potential no more than three participants at a time. The
therapist is to take on a nondirective therapeutic approach, which places the focus and direction on the
player. Before conducting activity the therapist is to review safety regarding the sandpit, the use of the
shovel and the respect that is to be shown to one another.
Adaptations:
Participants with Psychosis: An individual with psychosis sustains a mental disorder that is characterized
by a disconnection from reality (CareyMedically, 2005). Participants with psychosis can experience
thought disorder, confusion, and difficulty thinking and understanding. This activity will help the
participant overcome trauma, manage personal anger and aggression, as well as improving social skills.
To ensure a successful activity the therapist must establish a safe and accepting atmosphere (Bromfield,
n.d.). The atmosphere is to be created of safety, acceptance and positive regard. Limits are set towards
certain behaviors that may cause the participant to hurt themselves, the therapist, or the other
participants. Most importantly respect, patience and honesty is shown to the participant (Bromfield,
n.d.).
Participants with Learning Disabilities: When an individual has learning disabilities they experience a
neurological disorder that causes difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or
organizing (WETA, 2015). Play therapy helps children express their thoughts on what is troubling them
(Kingsley, 1998). The child should lead the way throughout the exercise, but if they happen to get off

Ashley Font Activity Portfolio #11

track, kindly redirect them back to what you were doing (Kingsley, 1998). Positive reinforcement, love,
encouragement and support help ensures confidence and determination throughout the activity
(Helpguide, n.d.). Depending on the type of learner the participant is there are various ways of providing
instructions. A drawn out map to the treasure box (sandpit) can help those participants who are a visual
learner identify where it is located. Clarifying instructions and goals clearly out loud help those who are
an auditory learner. Those participants who are kinesthetic learners may need thorough demonstration
prior to starting the activity (Helpguide, n.d.).
Adaptations References:
CareyMedically, E. (2005). Psychosis. Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
http://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis#Overview1
Bromfield, R. Psychoanalytic Play Therapy. Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
http://www.psychceu.com/schaefer/0471264725.pdf
WETA. (2015). What is a learning disability? Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
http://www.ldonline.org/ldbasics/whatisld
Kingsley, E. (1998). How to practice ADHD play therapy at home. Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8374.html
Helpguide. Practical parenting tips for home and school. Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/learning-disabilities/helping-children-with-learning-disabilities.htm