Introduction
Think back to your own childhood, filled with laughter and discovery on the playground. Play is a vital component of child development, and it’s essential for neurodivergent kids. In this blog post, we’ll uncover five types of play in child development that can help your child flourish, learn, and grow. We’ll look into each type, offering tangible examples and engaging ideas to make playtime more meaningful and enjoyable for both you and your child. So, let’s begin our playful journey!
Table of Contents
1. Sensory Play
First up, sensory play is all about engaging the senses, making it an excellent choice for kids with thinking and learning differences. This type of play helps children develop their sensory processing skills and can be both calming and stimulating. Sensory play is particularly beneficial for children who may struggle with sensory overload or have difficulty processing certain sensory inputs.
Here are some sensory play ideas to try:
- Playing with playdough or slime
- Exploring textures with sensory bins
- Creating art with finger paints or shaving cream
- Listening to and making music with instruments
Keep in mind your child’s unique sensory preferences and needs when planning sensory play activities.
2. Social Play
Social play is essential for all children, but it’s significant for neurodivergent kids who may need extra support in developing social skills. This type of play involves interacting with others, learning to share, and practicing communication. Social play can help children build friendships, learn empathy, and develop a sense of belonging.
Some ideas for social play include:
- Playing board games or card games
- Participating in team sports or group activities
- Role-playing or acting out scenarios with toys or puppets
- Joining playgroups or clubs with peers who share similar interests
SPONSORED BY: Goally
Goally’s Kid’s Tablet has one of the largest libraries of skill-building videos (like “How to Share” and “What To Do When You’re Lost”) in the Goal Mine app.👇
Encourage your child to engage in social play by providing opportunities for interaction and modeling appropriate social behaviors. Read more about play toddler games.
3. Imaginative Play
Imaginative play, also known as pretend play, allows children to explore their creativity and develop problem-solving skills. This type of play is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent kids, as it encourages flexible thinking and helps them practice social skills in a safe environment. Imaginative play can also boost language development and foster a love for storytelling.
Some imaginative play ideas include:
- Playing dress-up or creating costumes
- Building forts or imaginary worlds with blocks or other materials
- Creating stories or adventures with action figures or dolls
- Playing “pretend” games, such as playing store or restaurant
Support your child’s imaginative play by providing a variety of props and materials and joining in on the fun when appropriate.
4. Physical Play
Physical play is essential for developing motor skills, coordination, and overall health. For neurodivergent kids, physical play can also help improve focus, self-regulation, and sensory processing. Engaging in physical play can boost self-esteem and help children learn the value of perseverance and hard work.
Some physical play ideas include:
- Playing tag, hide-and-seek, or other active games
- Jumping on a trampoline or engaging in other sensory-friendly activities
- Exploring nature through hiking, climbing, or outdoor scavenger hunts
- Participating in yoga, dance, or other movement-based activities
Encourage physical play by providing a safe and supportive environment for your kid to explore and move their body. Goally can also help you track your kid’s progress and set goals for physical activity.
5. Constructive Play
Last but not least, constructive play involves building, creating, and problem-solving. This type of play is perfect for developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities. It’s especially beneficial for neurodivergent kids who may need extra support in these areas. Constructive play can foster a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s creations.
Some constructive play ideas include:
- Building with blocks, LEGO, or other construction toys
- Creating art projects with various materials
- Assembling puzzles or engaging in other problem-solving activities
- Experimenting with simple science projects or engineering challenges
Provide a variety of materials and tools for your child to explore and create with during constructive playtime.
Goally | For Kids Who Hate Bedtime 😴😡
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these five types of play in child development, you can help your neurodivergent child thrive, learn, and grow. Remember, play is an essential part of your child’s development, and with the right support and resources, like Goally, you can make playtime a fun and meaningful experience for both you and your child. So, go ahead and embrace the power of play!
FAQs About Types of Play in Child Development
What are the different types of play in child development? Types of play include physical, constructive, dramatic, symbolic, and games with rules. Each type serves a specific role in child development.
Why is play essential for child development? Play is essential for cognitive, emotional, and social development. It helps children explore their environment, understand social norms, and develop critical skills like problem-solving and emotional regulation.
How does constructive play benefit children? Constructive play, like building blocks or art projects, fosters creativity and fine motor skills. It also enhances a child's ability to focus, plan, and complete tasks.
What age is appropriate for symbolic play? Symbolic play usually emerges around 18 months and peaks at 4-5 years. This form of play helps children understand the world through make-believe, enhancing language skills and imagination.
How can parents encourage different types of play? Parents can encourage diverse types of play by using a variety of toys and activities that facilitate physical, constructive, and imaginative play. They can also actively participate in playtime to guide and stimulate developmental skills.
This post was originally published on 05/11/2023. It was updated on 09/10/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
