Under The Umbrella

Principles of Play

Anticipation: curiosity, risk, but still fun
Pleasure: a good feeling

Poise: grace and sense of balance in life

Strength:mastery from practice, learning more about how the world works

Surprise: the unexpected, discovery, new sensations, shifting perspective

Understanding: new knowledge, synthesis of diverse ideas, incorporation of new ideas

a therapy & learning collective

Under The Umbrella

I am inspired to be providing speech, language and social communication therapy as part of the Under the Umbrella. While I love having my own practice, I am also invested in the opportunity to collaborate with like minded therapists, educators and medical professionals to provide intervention for the whole child. The image of gathering under an umbrella has resonance for me and for my collaborators: We offer shelter, we keep off the rain, we share the umbrella in turbulent times, we interact in a collective way to create unique and meaningful treatment, we all reside in Seattle! The strength of the imagery mirrors the strength of the investment that I make in each family. Come by the space and see if you can find all the umbrellas (there are a lot!)

The genius of play is that, in playing, we create imaginative new cognitive combinations. Play is practice for skills needed in the future, especially socialization—communication is a SOCIAL act, so playing gives kids the tools they need to communicate in a social context. Kids at play can learn about different ways to communicate by trying

those out in the “safe” environment of the play-room.

The Importance of Play

- Louis Pasteur

"When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments: tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become."

"This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play."

-Alan W. Watts

"Imagination for the child is the miraculous, freewheeling device he uses to course his way through the problems of every day....It's through fantasy that children achieve catharsis."