Teaching Language Through Play: Have Fun While Learning!

Who doesn’t love to have fun? Active play is a favorite for many young children—think of lifting them high in the air, bouncing them on your knee, or gently tossing them onto a soft bed or couch. If these actions make your child squeal with delight, you have the perfect opportunity to turn playtime into a language-learning experience!

How Play Supports Language Development

Children learn best when they are engaged and excited. By pairing movement with words, signs, or gestures, you can help your child associate language with action in a natural and joyful way.

Here’s how to maximize the learning:

• Model Words and Signs – Say “up!” when lifting them and “down!” when lowering them. Pairing the words with simple signs or exaggerated gestures can make it easier for your child to connect the meaning. Try a Verbal Routine such as "1,2,3...toss!" when you gently toss them onto your bed. The pause after your counting may entice them to fill in the blank and request a "toss"!

• Vary Your Voice – Change your pitch, volume, and tone to capture their attention and encourage imitation. A playful "Uuuuup!" followed by a quick "Down!" can be a fun temptation for your child to copy.

• Pause and Wait – If your child is beginning to use words, try pausing before lifting them again. Model the word and gesture for "Up?" (point towards the sky) and wait about 10 seconds for a response. If they make any attempt to vocalize or gesture, respond enthusiastically!

• Encourage Turn-Taking – If your child is enjoying the game, encourage them to signal when they’re ready for more by using words, signs, or gestures.

• Include Older Siblings – Sometimes the motivation of watching an older sibling, or friend/family member, have fun is just the ticket to unlock your little one's inner motivation to want to participate in fun communication games.

A Fun Way to Build Communication Skills

The best part? Your child may not even realize they’re learning! The excitement of movement-based play creates intrinsic motivation to communicate. Whether they’re using words, sounds, gestures, or facial expressions, they’re practicing essential communication skills in a pressure-free environment.

Share Your Experience!

Have you tried incorporating language into active play? We’d love to hear about your experience! Did your child surprise you by imitating a word or gesture? Let us know in the comments!