Play is a natural and fun way for young children to build their language skills. Through play, children explore the world around them, learn new words, and practice communicating with others. Whether it’s pretending to be a chef in a play kitchen, building a castle with blocks, or having a tea party with stuffed animals, playtime is packed with opportunities for language development.
If your child has a language delay then play is a marvellous way to build language skills. Regardless of your child’s language level, both verbal and non-verbal, play helps language skills. Let’s look at this more closely. Let’s dive into the exciting world of play and see how it helps children develop their language skills.
Imaginative Play and Role-Playing
Imaginative play, also known as pretend play or role-playing, is when children use their imaginations to create scenarios and act them out. This type of play is fantastic for building language skills because it involves a lot of talking and storytelling. Here’s how it works:
- New Vocabulary: When children pretend to be different characters, they use new words related to those roles. For example, playing “doctor” might introduce words like “stethoscope,” “medicine,” and “appointment.”
- Storytelling: Imaginative play often involves creating stories. Children learn to organize their thoughts and describe what’s happening in their pretend world. This storytelling practice enhances their narrative skills.
- Dialogues: Children engage in dialogues with themselves, their friends, or their toys. They practice speaking in different voices and roles, which helps them understand different perspectives and how conversations work.
Building and Constructing
Building with blocks, Legos, or other construction toys is another great way to develop language skills. While building, children often talk about what they’re making, describe their creations, and solve problems verbally. Here are some benefits:
- Descriptive Language: As children build, they use descriptive language to talk about shapes, colors, sizes, and what they’re constructing. For example, “I’m making a tall red tower” or “This bridge is really long.”
- Problem-Solving: When faced with a challenge, like figuring out how to make a structure stand, children talk through their problem-solving process. They might say, “I need a bigger block” or “This piece doesn’t fit here.”
- Collaboration: If children are building together, they practice communicating their ideas, negotiating roles, and working as a team. This collaborative play fosters social and language skills.
Music and Movement
Songs, rhymes, and movement games are not only fun but also powerful tools for language development. Music and movement activities engage children’s brains and bodies, making learning feel like play. Here’s how they help:
- Rhyming and Rhythm: Songs and rhymes expose children to the rhythm and sounds of language. They learn about rhyming words and patterns, which are important for reading skills.
- New Words: Singing songs introduces children to new vocabulary and phrases. For example, singing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” teaches animal names and sounds.
- Listening Skills: Following along with songs and movement activities helps children develop their listening skills. They learn to listen for cues and follow instructions, such as “clap your hands” or “stomp your feet.”
Art and Craft Activities
Art and craft activities provide a creative outlet for children and offer many opportunities for language development. When children engage in art, they often talk about what they’re creating and describe their process. Here’s how it works:
- Describing Art: Children use descriptive language to talk about their artwork. They might say, “I’m drawing a blue sky” or “This is a picture of my family.”
- Explaining Steps: When working on a craft project, children explain the steps they’re taking. For example, “First, I cut out the shape, then I glue it here.”
- Sharing Stories: Art projects can inspire storytelling. A child might create a painting and then tell a story about what’s happening in the picture. This helps develop narrative skills and creativity.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is full of opportunities for language development. Exploring nature, playing games, and engaging in physical activities all encourage children to talk, ask questions, and describe their experiences. Here’s how:
- Nature Vocabulary: Exploring the outdoors introduces children to new words related to nature. They learn the names of plants, animals, and natural features, like “tree,” “flower,” “butterfly,” and “stream.”
- Descriptive Language: Children use descriptive language to talk about what they see and do outside. For example, “The grass is so green” or “I’m climbing up the big slide.”
- Social Interaction: Playing games with other children, like tag or hide-and-seek, involves a lot of communication. They practice giving instructions, following rules, and working together.
Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles are fun indoor activities that promote language development. These games often require children to follow rules, take turns, and communicate with others. Here’s how they help:
- Following Instructions: Many board games involve following instructions, which helps children understand and use complex sentences.
- Turn-Taking: Playing games teaches children to take turns and wait patiently, practicing their conversational skills.
- Problem-Solving and Describing: Solving puzzles requires children to talk about their strategies and describe pieces. They might say, “I think this piece goes here” or “We need a corner piece.”
In conclusion, play is a powerful and enjoyable way for children to build their language skills. Whether through imaginative play, building, music, art, outdoor exploration, or games, children learn new words, practice communication, and build their confidence in using language. By encouraging and participating in various play activities, parents and caregivers can support their children’s language development in a fun and meaningful way. So, let’s play, talk, and discover the wonderful world of language together!
We’re here to support you
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach out for support
If you’re concerned about your child’s language development or want to learn more about how our ESDM program builds play skills can, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help.
Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics on (02) 80657837 or email. You can book a free 30 minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey
