Building Language Through Play: Everyday Tips for Parents

Why Play Matters

Play builds vocabulary, sentence structure, and social understanding. Research shows that play-based learning supports both expressive and receptive language development (Weisberg et al., 2013). It also encourages turn-taking, problem-solving, and imagination—all key parts of communication.

Practical Play Tips

• Follow your child’s lead: Talk about what interests them.

• Model rich language: Instead of “car go,” say “The red car is driving fast!”

• Pause and wait: Give your child time to respond. Silence encourages them to take turns.

• Use pretend play: Cooking, doctor kits, or dress-ups can spark great conversations.

How a Speech Pathologist Can Help

Speechies often use play-based therapy to make sessions engaging and meaningful. They can show parents how to embed language learning into everyday routines—like mealtimes or getting dressed—and adapt play ideas for each child’s age and goals. For families needing flexibility, school visits and Saturday sessions are a great option.