Using Play as a Key to Unlocking the Silence for Children with Selective Mutism

  • Poling Bork Student Brock University
  • Debra Harwood Brock University
  • Sheila M. Bennett Brock University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18357/jcs.v39i3.15234

Abstract

Imagine being 4 and not being able to ask for a toy or snack when you attend your early years program. Selective mutism (SM) is the persistent failure to speak in specific social situations where speaking is expected. It results from intense anxiety and occurs in spite of a child’s ability to speak in other situations, like the home environment. Children with SM can have lifelong issues with being able to engage with others, speak publicly, and succeed academically. In this article, the authors propose that play is a valuable and necessary medium to meet the needs of the child with SM, foster resiliency, and promote well-being. Additionally, play provides a much-needed context to lessen the anxieties associated with being seen or heard speaking. The educator’s role is specifically assessed as an asset to meet the needs of children with SM in the early years classroom.

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Author Biographies

Poling Bork, Student Brock University
Poling Bork is a doctoral candidate in educational studies at Brock University. Having devoted over six years to researching selective mutism (SM) to help her son overcome this “unfamiliar” anxiety disorder, Poling is dedicating her research to psychoeducational assessments and interventions for children with SM and other related anxiety disorders. With her undergraduate degree in computer science, Poling is currently investigating how to incorporate technology in the SM intervention program. Email: mentor@brocku.ca
Debra Harwood, Brock University
Dr. Debra Harwood is an associate professor in early childhood education at Brock University. Her current research endeavours include an exploration of parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of early literacies, making learning visible in early years contexts, and student engagement and successes within Aboriginal communities.
Sheila M. Bennett, Brock University
Dr. Sheila Bennett is a professor and current chair of the Department of Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education at Brock University. Co-author of Special Education in Ontario Schools, Dr. Bennett’s current research interests include special education service delivery, inclusion, and policy.
Published
2014-09-11
How to Cite
Bork, P., Harwood, D., & Bennett, S. M. (2014). Using Play as a Key to Unlocking the Silence for Children with Selective Mutism. Journal of Childhood Studies, 39(3), 24-33. https://doi.org/10.18357/jcs.v39i3.15234
Issue
Vol. 39 No. 3 (Fall 2014) Canadian Children
Section
Child Study

Copyright (c) 2014 Poling Bork, Debra Harwood, Sheila M. Bennett

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