How to Use Communication Play: Support Language & Social Skills
Key Points
- Definition: Communication play is a type of play that helps children build language and listening skills through fun, interactive activities.
- Examples of Communication Play: charades, puppets, dramatic play, storytelling, action songs, riddles, Simon Says
As a developmental therapist and former toddler teacher, I’ll admit that the term “communication play” is not often used in our field.
But, it’s important to consider how this type of play can be used at home and in childcare to support children’s learning.
What is Communication Play?
Communication play is a type of play that helps children build language and listening skills through fun, interactive activities.
This play includes verbal communication (like asking questions, telling stories, and giving information) and non-verbal communication (like using facial expressions and body language).
Communication Play Activities
Let’s look at different communication activities for kids. I have organized them into three categories: verbal, nonverbal, and listening.
Nonverbal Communication Activities
For younger kids:
For Older kids
Verbal Communication Activities
Listening Communication Activities
Creating A Language-Rich Environment
Let’s look at ways to create language-rich environments that support communication.
- Place labels on familiar objects to display print.
- Narrate activities as you go about your day (e.g., “I’m washing the dishes, and now I’m rinsing the plates.”)
- Point out children’s communication
- “Baby Tre is fussing because he’s hungry”
- “Grace is stomping her feet because she wants to tell you something.”
- Older toddlers and preschoolers are ready for adults to guide them through communication conflicts. We can help children name their emotions, express what they want, and find solutions together.
Child-Led vs. Adult-Led Communication Play
Child-Led
In child-led play, children take the lead in activities, like pretending to cook in the dramatic play area, strategizing to build a block city, or organizing a game of tag.
Adult-Guided
In adult-guided play, adults support children’s communication. Adults can invite children to share stories, ask questions about their art, or introduce games like charades or Red Rover.
Observe children’s communication to look for opportunities where children need intentional guidance.
Self-reflect: Consider how you model communication.
- Do you listen actively?
- Do you rephrase things to check for understanding?
- Do you ask questions to encourage conversation?
Tip
Balance all forms of communication play in your classroom.
Benefits of Communication Play
Communication skills are important for children as they play and develop through the stages of play.
Children begin by observing other’s play as babies and eventually learn how to communicate with peers to create more complex, collaborative play.
Communication play supports child development by:
- Building a sense of belonging and community
- Encouraging confidence to express wants and needs
- Promoting teamwork and collaboration
- Expanding vocabulary
- Teaching empathy, turn-taking, and listening skills
- Helping children understand and follow directions
- Improving comprehension skills
Communication play is a fun and powerful way to help children grow their language and social skills. Toddlers and preschoolers develop skills to express themselves and connect with others through fun, easy activities, and a language-rich environment.
Want to learn more about how play supports child development? Check out our Types of Play post for a complete guide to play-based learning!