Developing either verbal communication or communication through sign language/visuals is a vital part of a child’s development. Every time you speak, sign, read or sing to the children in your setting, you are playing a fundamental role in the development of these skills. There are lots of wonderful activities that you can do with babies, toddlers and young children to help support these skills through play – all of which can be easily adapted for children who use sign language/visuals for their communication.
Here are two play-based activities that encourage language and communication skills:
PLAYDOUGH BAKERY
Suitable for: toddlers and pre-schoolers
Let children’s pretend culinary skills come to life with this fun role-play activity that provides plenty of opportunities for practising language and communication skills. It is also fantastic for fostering imagination and creativity as well as developing fine motor skills.
Equipment
- Playdough, bun cases, pom poms/sequins.
How to
- Show the children a picture of a cupcake. Explain you are going to pretend that the playdough is cake and create your very own playdough cupcakes. Remind them that these are pretend and not edible. Please note, if the children are likely to put these in their mouths, swap the playdough and other materials for something safe and edible.
- Set out the various ‘ingredients’ in bowls and give the children bun cases. Support them to roll and squish the playdough into the bun cases and choose their decorations for the toppings.
- Talk to children as they are manipulating the dough. Introduce appropriate words, such as ‘squeeze’, ‘push’ or ‘ooze’. Or discuss the different colours of dough and decorations.
- Encourage them to practise their language and communication skills by pretending to sell their cupcakes to you.
- Encourage them to ask you questions, such as ‘How many cupcakes would you like?’ and ‘Which cupcake is your favourite?’.
Alternatives
- Why not make pretend cakes, pies or croissants!
Extension activity
- Ask the children to explain the ‘recipe’ for their cupcakes. How many balls of playdough, pom poms and sequins did they use? They can explain this verbally or using sign language or visuals.
Skills developed
- Language and communication
- Literacy/numeracy
- Problem solving
- Motor skills.
HIDDEN OBJECT
Suitable for: babies
Hiding an object under a cloth can be a fantastic way to spark language and communication skills for babies. The anticipation and excitement of a covered-up object often encourages engagement. And the repetition of our questions helps build early foundations for these skills.
Equipment
- Object (preferably a noisy toy), cloth/tea towel.
How to:
- Gain attention by moving the object or making it sound.
- Hide it under the cloth and ask ‘Where has it gone?’
- Encourage the child to pull the object out. Exclaim, ‘There it is!’ before hiding it again.
- Name the object. You could also say some simple comments, such as ‘It’s nice and soft’ or ‘I like the sound it makes’. If they are engaged, repeat the steps again or allow the baby to play with it.
Alternatives
- Try putting the object in a small box or bag, enabling the child to shake it before getting it out.
Extension activity
- Use a mystery object. Encourage them to touch it through the cloth, asking them ‘What is it?’ before pulling it out.
Skills developed
- Language and communication
- Concentration
- Problem solving
- Motor skills
- Working memory.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
- This is the first article in an eight-part series on practical ways to support the development of essential skills in children from birth to five, including those with SEND.
- Georgina Durrant is author of 100 Ways Your Child Can Learn Through Play, a book of play-based activities. She is a former teacher/SENDCo, private tutor and founder of The SEN Resources Blog: www.senresourcesblog.com.
- Twitter: @senresourceblog Facebook: @senresourcesblog Instagram: @thesenresourcesblog
