The Purpose of Play: Insight from a Local Speech-Language Pathologist
As a mom of two boys, my house is overrun with trucks, superheroes and a minefield of legos waiting in the most unexpected places. At the end of a long day, parents just want time to take a deep breath. Then comes that ever so innocent, yet loaded question, “Mommy, can you play with me?” I am here to tell you that something as simple as playing catch or building a tower can help your child expand their vocabulary and develop essential social and cognitive skills.
Nikki Seaman, SLP
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), my job is to help children develop language skills to communicate with others and engage in the world around them. Playing is how young children learn because it gives them the chance to internalize knowledge through experience.
When children are young, play can be as simple as rolling a ball back and forth. In this task alone, they are engaging in reciprocal gestures and use of sounds, which are foundational language skills. As children get older and play becomes more complex, so does their communication. Children will need to draw upon previously learned skills such as storytelling and problem solving when they dress up as a medieval knight or when they are participating in games with peers at school.
While allowing your child the opportunity to engage in play is essential to their development, it's even more beneficial when you can play along too! Playing with your child gives you the chance to cultivate connection, model language, and encourage creativity.
Play extends far beyond childhood and remains critical to overall well-being. It allows children and adults alike to explore perspectives, envision possibilities, and foster resilience in the face of challenges. When you truly immerse yourself in their world, you are not only spending quality time with your children, but creating a safe space for them to communicate. And just think, maybe you will have some fun too!
Pretend Play involves using objects, actions or ideas to represent something else. This type of play allows children to use their imagination to create scenarios such as pretending a box is a spaceship or caring for dolls/stuffed animals with a pretend medical kit. See below for some SLP-approved toy recommendations!
Visit Pippin Toy Co. at 1310 King Street to see some of these amazing play sets!
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