The role of play in language development
The newly-released Barbie movie is encouraging all of our inner playfulness and imagination and reminding us of a more creative time. Play is an essential part of childhood, and it has many benefits for children’s development, including language development. Through play, children learn new words, practice using language, and develop their communication skills.
Let’s explore how play helps language development in children.
Types of play and their role
Some of the most beneficial types of play include:
- Rough-and-tumble play: This type of play helps children develop their motor skills and coordination, but it can also help them learn about taking turns, following rules, and resolving conflicts. These are all important skills for communication.
- Dramatic play: This type of play allows children to use their imaginations to create stories and scenarios. They can pretend to be different people, animals, or objects, and they can use language to describe what they are doing.
- Block play: This type of play helps children develop their problem-solving skills and learn about cause and effect. They can also use language to describe what they are building and how they are building it.
Singing and playing music: This type of play helps children develop their listening skills and learn about rhythm and melody. They can also learn new words and phrases through songs and rhymes. - Reading books: Reading books with children exposes them to new vocabulary and helps them learn about different concepts. It also gives them a chance to practice listening and following directions.
In addition to these specific types of play, any type of play that involves interacting with other people can help with language development. When children play with others, they have to use language to communicate their needs and wants. They also learn how to take turns, listen to others, and resolve conflicts.
Parents and caregivers can help promote language development through play by:
- Talking to children throughout the day: This means talking about what they are doing, what they see, and what they think.
- Reading books to children: This exposes them to new vocabulary and helps them learn about different concepts.
- Singing songs and playing music with children: This helps them develop their listening skills and learn about rhythm and melody.
- Encouraging children to use language in their play: This means asking them questions, prompting them to describe what they are doing, and responding to their language attempts.
Play is a fun and natural way for children to learn and develop. These types of play and what they encounter in their environment can help them reach their full language potential.
