Play

The development of play is very closely linked to the development of language. Play helps to develop a number of skills including listening and attention, eye contact, turn taking, understanding and using language, problem solving and imagination.

Play is best when it is child led- let them choose, follow their interests and join in! Play enables a child to try out new skills and roles without fear of failure and it provides an opportunity for expressing emotions in an appropriate way.

Above all, play should be voluntary and fun.

The types of play:

There are lots of different types of play. A child may have difficulty in developing these skills for reasons including:

Physical and/or sensory difficulties – the child is unable to fully explore the environment.
Poor attention and a short concentration span – the child is unable to fully engage in play activities because of distractions.
Social communication difficulties – the child may be happy to play alone but reluctant to share and take turns.

Types of play include: