Play to Develop Language
In my work with early intervention and early childhood, the most important piece of information I teach is the importance of PLAY! Several language skills are developed through play. Now, this does not mean the child is quizzed on items or asked to repeat words during play. Simply sitting and engaging in an activity can teach language skills. While playing, it is important to talk about what you are doing and what the child is doing. This provides several models for language. Try to talk in short phrases since children will start with single words and then short phrases. Let me give some examples of my favorite activities and phrases I use in my sessions and with my own daughter to model language.
Stacking blocks or cups - There are all kinds of communication opportunities with stacking blocks. Several prepositional phrases can be modeled: “Put on.” “On top.” “Take off.” “Fall down.” “Put in.” “Take out.” You can talk about the colors of the blocks or if the blocks have animals or letters on them. When the blocks fall over, you can model “uh-oh” or “boom.” You can work on requesting more: “More block.” I have included links to some examples of my favorite stacking toys.
Dolls/Dollhouse- Pretend play is fantastic for development! It doesn’t matter if the child is a boy or girl, play with dolls! Model activities they can do with the baby/doll: hugging, feeding, rocking, etc. Talk about what the child is doing with the baby, “Are you feeding the baby?” “Is baby hungry?” “Oh, is baby sleepy?” “Night night, baby.” “Wake up baby!” “Baby wants more.” “Baby in bed.” “Sit baby.” “Baby up.”
Farm animals - Playing with animals provides opportunities to model animal noises. It is important to also say what the animal is called. For example, “Cow says moo.” If you only model the sounds, some children will label the animal by the sound they make instead of trying to use their name. Children will tend to produce the animal sound before the name because the sound they make is easier for them to produce, and that is okay! We just want to make sure we still model the animal names.
Cars, trucks, etc. - Create communication opportunities by saying “Ready, set, go!” Once the child knows the routine, you can pause before “go,” “Ready, set, (pause for 10 seconds to see if the child will try to say it) go!” This builds anticipation and gives the child the opportunity to communicate. If he/she doesn’t say “go,” it’s okay! Just go ahead and say it. While driving the cars, you can model “beep beep.” This is easier for children to imitate compared to “vroom vroom.” You can have cars crash, and say, “boom!”
BOOKS! - Try to incorporate books into activities and routines. According to a study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in 2019, “reading just one book daily exposes a child to 296,660 words. When five books are read daily, the number multiplies to an astronomical 1,483,300 words.” Reading the words in the book is important, but looking at the pictures and talking about them provides opportunities to learn more words and develop language as well. Get interactive books with flaps or different textures. This will help increase engagement and attention.
These are just a few examples of how you can increase language with play. Play with what interests the child, use short phrases, and repetition. Provide opportunities for the child to communicate. Pause when you are talking and wait to see if the child contributes. If you are a parent, I know you don’t have time to sit and play all the time, and children need to learn to play independently as well. Just try to take some time each day to engage in play with your child. It is good for you and your child!!
Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics 40(5):p 383-386, June 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000657