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Play is an important part of children’s learning, communication and development.
Play in speech therapy is purposeful. Speech Pathologists can use play-based activities to help children practise language, communication and social interaction skills in engaging and meaningful ways.
If you have ever wondered, “All my child does in speech therapy is play,” there is often much more happening during the activity than it may first appear.
Why Do Speech Pathologists Use Play?
Speech Pathologists use play as a learning tool. Play provides children with the opportunity to learn to:
- Communicate with others
- Build social skills
- Develop expressive and receptive language
- Build connections with others
- Have fun!
How Does Play Support Language Development?
Research has found that:
- If a child is engaged in play they are more likely to remember what they learn. Play = engagement (Blumenfeld et al., 2006).
- During play, children can hear and use language in meaningful contexts, helping them understand how words relate to actions, objects and experiences.This allows them to experience the meanings and use of words (Weisburg et al., 2013).
- If a child engages in pretend play (e.g., pretending that a Lego is food) they are more likely to be able to attach meaning to words more quickly (Quinn et al., 2018).
- Having a back and forth play routine can introduce children to the skill of turn taking when communicating with others (Lieberman & Yoder, 2012).
Speech Pathologists use play purposefully to target almost any goal. We also train parents to use play to support the goals targeted in therapy.
How Can Parents Support Communication Through Play?
- You are the most interesting ‘toy’ that your child enjoys. Use your body, facial expressions and excited sounds during play with your child.
- Follow your child during play – let them show you their world.
How Can a Speech Pathologist Help?
Speech Pathologist can identify your child’s communication strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful. Where appropriate, therapists can use play-based activities to support language, communication and social interaction goals.
Speech Pathologists can also show parents and carers practical strategies they can use during play and everyday routines at home.
If you have concerns about your child’s language or communication development, contact Innerlink Therapy on (02) 8065 1197 or email info@innerlinktherapy.com.au.
References
Blumenfeld, P. C., Kempler, T. M., & Krajcik, J. S. (2006). Motivation and cognitive engagement in learning environments. na.
Weisberg, D. S., Zosh, J. M., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2013). Talking it up: play, language development, and the role of adult support. American Journal of Play, 6(1), 39-54.
Lieberman, R. G., & Yoder, P. (2012). Play and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder: A framework for early intervention. Journal of Early Intervention, 34(2), 82-103.doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1053815112453766
Quinn, S., Donnelly, S., & Kidd, E. (2018). The relationship between symbolic play and language acquisition: A meta-analytic review. Developmental review, 49, 121-135.doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2018.05.005