Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

How Do I Use Play to Support Language Development?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>F Terms

Summary

summary

Facilitated play helps kids learn to talk better while having fun. It’s when a grown-up, like a parent or a teacher, plays with a child and shows them how to use words. They play with toys and talk about what they’re doing. This helps kids learn new words and practice speaking. It’s great for all kids, especially those needing extra help.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

Can it help kids with special needs?

Yes, facilitated play is great for kids with special needs, like language delays or autism, as it offers a supportive environment for them to practice talking and learning new words.

Can facilitated play be used with different toys or activities?

Absolutely! Facilitated play works with various toys and activities, like building blocks, pretend cooking, or reading books, allowing your child to learn in different situations.

How often should we practice facilitated play?

It’s good to practice regularly, but there’s no set rule. Adjust the frequency based on your child’s needs, interests, and progress, making sure to keep it fun and engaging.

Scientific Definition

scientist

Facilitated play is a helpful way to grow language skills in kids with special needs. It’s when a grown-up or teacher joins playtime to help kids learn words and talk better. Parents, teachers, and speech experts can all use this fun method. During play, grown-ups model how to use words, listen, and take turns talking. They also use simple language and repeat essential words. This helps kids learn new words and practice using them. Playing with toys, like dolls, cars, or puzzles, can teach kids about everyday things and actions. Facilitated play makes learning easy and fun. It’s suitable for kids with language delays or autism and others who need extra help. By joining in playtime, grown-ups create a safe space for kids to practice talking and grow their language skills. So, try the facilitated play, and watch your child’s communication blossom!

Video Explanation

video-explanation

Real World Example of Facilitated Play

Meet Susie, a joyful and imaginative 5-year-old girl with language delays. Susie’s parents, Emma and David, recently discovered the magic of facilitated play to help her communicate and learn. Here’s how facilitated play unfolds in Susie’s life:

  • Role-playing Fun: One afternoon, Emma and Susie embark on a playful adventure as brave explorers in their living room. Emma uses simple language to describe their imaginary world, encouraging Susie to respond and create her narrative.
  • Interactive Storytelling: During bedtime, David and Susie create fascinating stories about friendly dragons and enchanted forests using storybooks. David skillfully prompts Susie to add her twists and turns, strengthening her language skills.
  • Turn-Taking Games: On a rainy day, the family gathers for a board game session. Emma and David use turn-taking opportunities to model language and encourage Susie to express herself throughout the game.
  • Learning with Toys: Using colorful building blocks, Emma shows Susie how to describe the shapes, colors, and sizes of each piece, introducing new vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

Susie’s language skills blossom through facilitated play, as her parents nurture her communication abilities while making cherished memories together.

How Does Facilitated Play Work?

Facilitated play is a powerful method to enhance language skills in children with special needs. It involves adults actively participating in playtime to help children learn and improve their communication abilities. Here’s how it works and some examples to illustrate the concept:

  • Role-Playing: Parents or teachers engage in role-playing scenarios with children, using simple language and encouraging them to respond and imitate words.
  • Imaginative Play: Adults play alongside children, using toys like dolls or action figures, and modeling appropriate language related to the pretend scenarios.
  • Turn-Taking Games: Games that involve taking turns, such as board games, provide opportunities for adults to model language and encourage communication during play.
  • Describing Objects: Grown-ups can describe the properties of toys or objects, introducing new vocabulary to children during play.
  • Storytelling: Creating stories together during play helps kids practice language skills and encourages their creativity.

By incorporating facilitated play techniques, kids with special needs can make significant strides in their communication abilities. Goally’s tablet aids kids with special needs, including language development. Through interactive apps like digital schedules, gamified learning, and skill training videos, it fosters essential skills in a fun and engaging way.

 

This post was originally published on April 1, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.