The use of 'Play' with a group of young new arrival students in Hong Kong

Abstract

The use of groups and the concept of 'Play' to work with students with different problems and needs is a common practice in the school setting. 'Play' implies the use of games and activities. 'Play' is primarily used with children of preschool age; it is seldom used with adolescents, who are believed to be more rational. Through the use of 'Play', different concepts, principles, attitudes and types of behaviour can be consciously or unconsciously induced. This paper introduces the operation of a group that has employed 'Play' in a school setting in Hong Kong with some young new arrivals (YNAs) from mainland China. This group has three objectives: (1) the enhancement of its members' self-understanding, (2) the enlargement of their social circle and (3) the teaching of social and communication skills. Through comparison with a control group, it was found that the use of 'Play' in this group was effective in achieving the objectives. It is recommended that groups and the concept of 'Play' be used to help YNAs adjust to a new environment. © Whiting and Birch Ltd, 2008.