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Supporting play
- 0-1 Years
- 1-5 Years
- 5-11 Years
- Speech, language and communication
Play is much more than just fun, it’s one of the most important ways children learn about the world and develop key skills. Through play, children explore ideas, practise communication, build relationships and make sense of how things work.
Parents and carers can use this information at home to support their child. Education staff can also use this information with children in their school or setting.
Please try these ideas and advice before making a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy Service.
Explore the topics on this page:
Importance of play
Play supports development in areas such as:
- language and communication
- imagination and creativity
- attention and flexibility
- social skills
- understanding the world
- fine motor abilities like drawing or writing
It's ok if a child finds play more challenging or plays in different ways to their friends. With gentle encouragement, play can become something to share and enjoy together.
Different play styles
Children explore the world in many different ways. Some children may:
- repeat the same actions frequently
- show a strong preference for specific toys
- use toys in unexpected ways, for example spinning a wheel instead of driving a car
- enjoy playing with everyday objects like feathers or stones
- choose to play alone
These preferences are an important part of their learning. By respecting their play choices, you show that you are interested in what matters to them.
Strategies to support play skills
Joining in with a child’s play can strengthen your bond and support their learning, especially if you take a step back and let them show you the way.
- Let them lead the way – Watch how they play and what they are doing. It’s a powerful way to show interest and connection.
- Play alongside – Try playing nearby and copy what they are doing. This can be a gentle first step towards shared play.
- Copy their actions – If a child repeats a movement or plays in a particular way, try doing the same. You are showing them you enjoy what they enjoy.
- Keep it positive – Give praise and encouragement to help build their confidence. Even small moments of shared play are worth celebrating.
- Comment instead of question – Rather than asking lots of questions, talk about what’s happening. “Wow, your car is going so fast!” can feel more inviting than “What colour is the car?” Use fun sounds and exaggerated expressions like “Wow!” or “Boing!” to make the experience more engaging.
- Build slowly – Once you’re playing together, you can gently introduce new ideas, like taking turns or adding simple actions.
Remember, play sessions don’t need to be long to be meaningful. A few minutes of joyful play is often more effective than a longer session that feels difficult or tiring for either of you.
Toys that support communication skills
These are just a few examples, there are lots more ideas you can try.
Have you tried looking at our general advice?
You may want to look at our general advice pages for more information about:
Last reviewed: 25 November, 2025
