Play… It’s Great for Learning Language!

Information for parents and carers

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Play… It’s Great for Learning Language! – PIAG 0098 (283kB)

Introduction

Play helps children learn language in a fun way. Playing can develop your child’s attention skills and gives you the opportunity to add lots of new words while you play. It will also help them learn about taking turns, sitting and listening, getting new ideas and using their imagination, problem solving, and playing with other children.

Try our top tips for having great fun playing with your child…

Let your child choose what to play with. This will help to keep them interested in the activity.
Be creative…show them new ways to play with their toys. Join in with your child’s play. Get on the floor or wherever they are playing. Pick the toys up and play together…get involved!
Play alongside them and copy what they do. This helps your child understand you’re interested in what they are doing and having a good time. You can then add another step to the play, for example if they feed the teddy you can show them how to then put teddy to bed.
Avoid asking too many questions such as ‘what are you doing?’ ‘what’s that?’ Instead talk about what your child is doing as they play. Add new words and describe what is happening in the game.

Think of different play opportunities

Messy Play
Building and making things
Pretending e.g. going to the shops
Turn-taking games
Play with figures

For more information talk to your Speech and Language Therapist.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.