PEOPLE PLAY

 

What is People Play?

One of the earliest stages of play a child will enjoy is people play. This involves them interacting with others and can be done without toys. Children enjoy the repetitive nature of these games and they can support the development of turn taking, eye contact, anticipation, joint attention and listening.

 

People Play Ideas:

• Peek-a-Boo: Put a blanket or soft sheet over your child’s face and say ‘”Where’s (name)?” Then quickly pull the blanket away and say “There s/he is!” or “peek-a-boo!” Try to wait a little longer each time before pulling the blanket away to increase their attention. Try putting the blanket over your face and have your child pull it away to find you instead.
• Chasing/Tickling Game: Hold out your hands and look expectantly and say “Tickles” before tickling your child. Leave your hands out a little longer each time before tickling your child to encourage them to wait and anticipate what is coming.
• Bubbles: Blow some bubbles up into the air then hold out the bubble wand and wait for your child to look or show they want some more. Wait a little longer each time before blowing the bubbles to encourage longer attention. Ask “More?” Wait and look for signs that they want to continue. This might be a word or a sound, a look, a gesture or a smile.
• Balloons: Blow up a balloon and hold it out and wait for your child to look before letting it go. Wait a little longer each time to encourage attention. If your child is very motivated when you blow up the balloon, blow in a small amount of air only and ask “More?”. Wait for your child to show you that they want you to blow more before carrying on.
• Singing: Sing familiar rhymes with actions such as ‘Round and Round the Garden’, ‘Wind the Bobbin’, ‘Row Your Boat’ or ‘Twinkle Twinkle’. Leave gaps in the songs and see if your child will show you they want more of the song or even fill in the missing word/action. You can also sing songs that have an action that your child can anticipate e.g. “we all fall down!” in ‘Ring around the Roses’. Wait a little longer each time before saying ‘down’ to encourage attention and anticipation.