Online Dollhouse

I’ve been trying to create a virtual dollhouse for months and could not figure out the best way to make it intuitive, simple, and aesthetically pleasing. Fortunately, I’m one of thousands in my field, and someone else had a strength I was lacking.

Dr. Karen Fried did an amazing job creating an interactive virtual dollhouse, and then she made it FREE to use on her website! We should all drop her a note telling her she’s awesome or check out her books on Amazon because between this resource and the virtual sand tray (also FREE), she is saving our professional lives in 2020/2021!

It’s so beautiful!

Like the virtual sand tray, you pull up the site and screen share, then give your client remote control so they can play with the dollhouse in whatever way they prefer. I’d argue this is even better than playing with a dollhouse in person because, again, kids can put in duplicates of the same thing and make pieces bigger or smaller if they want. (Imagine having kids show you who in the family has “big” and “small” presence!)

If the child is using a Chrome book and can’t take remote control of the screen, you can always send them the link and let them screen share with you so you can observe them. The downside, of course, is this limits options for interactive play. But overall, this just might be my new favorite resource, especially with kids whose favorite in-person activity was the dollhouse. Finally, I can deliver a similar activity online!

UPDATE I’ve created a virtual dollhouse using the PlayingCards.IO platform! I still love the version described in this blog, but the platform lets you and your client manipulate everything in the activity simultaneously rather than having to take turns. It’s available for $5 in my TPT store.

Published by Dr Marschall

Dr. Amy Marschall received her Psy.D. from the University of Hartford in September 2015. She completed her internship at the National Psychology Training Consortium with specializations in assessment and rural mental health. Currently, she specializes in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care, and she is certified in telemental health. Dr. Marschall runs a private practice, RMH Therapy, where she provides individual and family therapy as well as psychological assessments across the lifespan. Dr. Amy Marschall is an author and professional speaker.

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