ON THE DOCK ™: a multifaceted occupational therapy board game aiding pediatric development through play
Embargo Date
2023-09-17
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Technology plays a huge role in our daily lives. While technology provides a
multitude of positivity for society, many are blinded to the dangers it can present,
especially for children. Technology is proving to impact pediatric development and
impair family dynamics. The research presented in this doctoral manual will shed light on
this problem, discuss previous attempts at providing a solution, and present the author’s
solution – ON THE DOCK ™.
ON THE DOCK ™ is a classic-style board game, based on current research,
curated to aid child development through play. Every detail of this game, both big and
small, was meticulously selected to provide as much therapeutic value as possible. Not
only does the game provide benefit for children, but this author also created an
educational component for parents. The parental education component is meant to bring
awareness to parents about child play behaviors, how to create the best play environment
for children, and marketing strategies often used to promote toys and games. This
information will be presented in the form of a brochure included in each game box as
well as through a seminar.
ON THE DOCK ™, and its associated parental education, is an important
invention that can prove beneficial for parents and occupational therapy practitioners
alike; not only was it developed by an occupational therapist, but the author is also a
parent which guarantees both perspectives are represented. The foundation of both
components is grounded by three theories: Bandura’s Social Learning Theory,
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, and Bruner’s Scaffolding Model.
Disseminating the game and seminar will be of crucial importance for success;
social media will be a big component of the dissemination process. The success of the
program, both game and seminar, will be evaluated primarily through sales count. The
seminar will also be evaluated through questionnaires completed by seminar participants.
The game and seminar will be largely self-funded; the possibility of receiving grants and
investors is considered as well. The research and intervention as described in this doctoral
project will bring much needed attention to an ever-expanding situation of technology
overload.
Description
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International