The Importance of Play

Several children between the ages of 4 and 13 from the local elementary school are in the ER following a school bus accident caused by a fierce thunder and lightning storm. After receiving treatment for minor cuts and bruises, many children are still in the ER because parents are having a difficult time getting through the storm. What should you know about play and developmental theory when trying to provide appropriate interventions? What resources would you want to have available to support these children while awaiting the arrival of their parents, and why? Include within your explanation the developmental theory guiding your planned intervention.