Play can be a powerful tool for making spaces feel safer and more welcoming to children. Creating a safe space is especially crucial when working with newcomer children, who experience the stresses of displacement and resettlement. Those working with this population, from therapists to caseworkers, can use play to help children understand complicated processes and build trust while talking about difficult subjects. If you have decided to incorporate play into your programs and services, the wide variety of techniques can feel intimidating at first, so you may be nervous or unsure where to start. This tip sheet offers seven principles for incorporating play into your work with newcomer children and describes what “good” play looks like.
