4.4

Learning to talk through play

Why is this important?
Imaginative play is crucial for learning new skills and practising these skills in
a safe environment. Play is vital in encouraging language development.

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What to do
• Gather together dolls or other soft toys and one of the following:
★ Doll’s tea set.
★ Empty bottles, sponge, flannel, toothbrush, etc.
★ Bottle and bed (a shoe box will do).
★ Shop.
• Encourage the child to act out situations through play (e.g. tea party, bath-time).
• Talk to the child about what he/she is doing.
• Get a doll/teddy/favourite toy/playmobile figure for yourself and play alongside
the child to show what to do. Talk to your doll so the child can hear – keeping your
sentences short and just using the words you need (e.g. ‘doll drink’, ‘doll sleep’).