Using Play To Teach Replacement Behaviours

Using Play to Teach Replacement Behaviours

When we think about teaching replacement behaviours in PBS, it’s easy to jump to structured interventions or formal strategies.

But sometimes, the most effective learning happens on the floor.
- With toys.
- In dress-ups.
- Through giggles.

Play is where skill-building becomes natural, safe, and fun.

Here’s how I use play to teach replacement behaviours:
- Role Play for Communication
- Using dolls, action figures, or puppets to model asking for help, saying “no,” or expressing big feelings gives the person a chance to explore these skills in a low-pressure way.

Games to Practice Turn-Taking or Waiting
Simple games like Uno, Jenga, or even Simon Says can gently teach patience, self-regulation, and social cues without feeling like a lesson.

Play-Based Problem Solving
- When a behaviour shows up in play (e.g., throwing toys when frustrated), we can pause, co-regulate, and try a new response in the moment. This builds emotional insight and choice-making, all while staying connected.

Imaginative Play to Explore Identity and Control
- Letting the person take the lead in pretend scenarios supports autonomy and helps work through feelings like powerlessness or fear, especially for those with trauma backgrounds.

The goal?

To create a space where the person experiences success, not just hears what to do differently.

Because play is more than a reward.

It’s a language.