Discovering Islands of Competence through Play: Experiences of Individuals with a Learning Disability

ABSTRACT

Students in K–12 settings who are identified with a Learning Disability (LD) often struggle with the formation of their self-identity within the traditional school setting. Because previous research has shown that play can be instrumental in the creation of a person’s self-identity, play can be especially important for those who have a LD. This article presents the lived and told stories of play using narrative inquiry of five individuals who were identified with a LD during their K–12 experience. The stories are organized under a single plot line under the theme “islands of competence,” a metaphor coined by Dr. Robert Brooks which highlights the importance of play in positive self-identity through social, recreational, and creative activities. Recommendations for counselors toward implementing play for clients with a LD based on the lived and told stories through narrative inquiry.

KEYWORDS:

• Play
• social/emotional development
• learning disability
• narrative inquiry
• island of competence
• self-identity
• creativity in counseling

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Michelle Louise Buchanan who interviewed John for this story to be included in the data, helped review the transcripts, and helped the authors find the island of competence concept that was used to organize the results section. John also acknowledges Victoria O’Malley for her editing eye.