Integrating Guided Play and Hands-On Learning: Insights and Application
Guided Play as a Tool to Support Children Experiencing Trauma
Katie Fields, Emily Spivey, and Barb Carter
Stressful and traumatic events, such as violence, weather disasters, family separation, and racism, affect almost half of all children nationally. These adverse occurrences can happen during a single event, or they can be ongoing. They disproportionately affect children from historically marginalized groups, further compounding the systemic inequities these children and families already face( Sacks & Murphey 2018; Allwood et al. 2021).
Researchers have linked early adverse experiences to negative outcomes as children grow, particularly if they experience multiple stressors or ongoing trauma. Their sense of safety, power, and personal value can be negatively affected( SAMHSA 2014). If not addressed, children who have experienced ongoing trauma are more likely to experience future mental health issues, substance abuse, physical health issues, and diminished professional and
52 Young Children
Fall 2026