SENSORY-FRIENDLY:
Play therapy & science-based residencies
David Engel brings vital creative play and educational enrichment activities directly into the special needs classroom, building social-emotional development and reducing stressors for pre-K and school-age children and young adults with physical challenges and Autism.
Programs originally commissioned by The ADAPT Community Network, NYC
“You exceeded my expectations and then some. What you are doing is beautiful.”
— R. Clement, Director, W. O’Connor School, Bronx, NY— The ADAPT Community Network for Children with Special Needs
OVERVIEW OF A “PLAY THERAPY” RESIDENCY
Each 25-minute session is based on universally recognizable themes kids LOVE: Pirates, Circus, Dinosaurs, Wizards, Safari, Superhero’s, and more. Each session is essentially a madcap, stimulating, sensory-friendly show that includes participatory movement & dance, magic, bubble-play, singalongs and antic slapstick comedy all underscored with soothing music and fun cartoon-like sound effects.
Sessions occur in the classroom or in a school’s gym/playroom with individual classes rotating in every ½ hour.
Special attention is given to include all teaching staff, caregivers, and OT providers in attendance. We specifically aim to integrate staff, invite their active participation and to support their professional development and personal socio-emotional well-being.
OVERVIEW OF A “SCIENCE PLAYROOM!” RESIDENCY
“Dr. Gravity’s Science Playroom!” is a one to three week-long residency program designed to inspire, encourage, and educate pre-K through school age children with special needs to the wonders of Science, and to gain new perspectives of the physical world around them.
“Dr. Gravity’s Science Playroom!” is led by the affable and hilarious scientist character, Dr. Gravity, who presents various scientific concepts via collaborative “real world” challenges and activities (STEM). These hands-on experiments and entertaining demonstrations are carried out in a simple, controlled, and safe manner.
Each visit is effectively a 30-minute comic performance that integrates state-mandated science curriculum with therapeutic play, while scrupulously abiding by sensory-friendly protocols and ability-appropriate content. Sessions occur in a school’s gym or playroom with individual classes rotating in every ½ hour.
