Play

Play is any activity that your child enjoys. It does not have to be an expensive toy. Play can be wrestling with cushions, pretending an empty box is a bed or sleeping out in a tent. It can even be having fun with a book!

What does play have to do with language development?

• Play usually involves listening and talking about what is happening, an important activity for language development.
• Play usually involves a lot of repetition, which is what a child needs to learn.
• Play helps a child develop skills which are important for communication (taking turns, using eye contact, body language, gestures).
• Play involves using several senses (e.g. the child hears the word “cookie” while he touches it and tastes it).

What to do …

• Use toys, games, or objects that your child is interested in.
• Follow your child’s lead: if he prefers to make a cape or tent out of a blanket, fine!
• Talk about what is happening during play.
• HAVE FUN!

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