How movement, play and everyday interactions build communication
Ready, Set, Grow | September
September’s Ready, Set, Grow theme is a wonderful reminder that children’s development does not happen in isolation.
When a child is climbing, jumping, building, pretending or chasing a ball, they are doing far more than having fun. Through these everyday experiences, children are learning to listen, understand, communicate, solve problems, take turns and connect with the people around them.
As a Speech-Language Therapist, one of my favourite things to remind parents is that you don't need to turn playtime into a lesson. Some of the most valuable opportunities for communication happen naturally when children are engaged in activities they already enjoy.
Five simple strategies to support communication through play
You don't need to add more to your day to support your child's communication. Small changes in the way you play and interact can make everyday moments more meaningful.
1. Follow: Follow your child's interests. Join in with what they are already looking at, doing or enjoying. When children are interested and engaged, they are more likely to connect, interact and communicate.
2. Wait: Give your child a little time to respond. It can feel surprisingly long, especially when you already know what they want, but that pause creates space for them to communicate in their own way.
3. Comment: Talk about what your child is doing rather than asking lots of questions. Instead of repeatedly asking, “What’s that?”, try commenting: “The car is going so fast!” Comments provide meaningful language for children to hear without putting them on the spot.
4. Model: Give your child simple examples of useful language. If they say “car”, you could model “fast car” or “car go”. Keep it natural and don't worry about asking them to repeat you.
5. Expand: When your child communicates something, add just a little more. If they say “dog”, you might respond with “big dog” or “doggy is running.” This gives your child an opportunity to hear how their language can grow.
1. Start with what your child loves
Children are more likely to communicate when they are interested and engaged. Rather than worrying about finding the “right” activity, notice what your child is naturally drawn to and join them there.
If they love cars, get down on the floor and race them. If they want to climb, climb alongside them. If they are fascinated by bubbles, make bubbles part of the game.
You can follow their lead while adding simple, meaningful language: “Go car!” “It’s fast!” “Up, up, up!” “Pop!” “Again?”
The goal isn't to turn play into a language lesson. It is to connect language with what your child is seeing, doing and experiencing.
2. Let movement do some of the talking
Movement creates natural moments of anticipation and interaction, which can be wonderful opportunities for communication.
Try a simple “Ready, set, go!” game. Pause before saying “go” and give your child an opportunity to show you that they are ready.
They might say “go”, make a sound, point, look at you, smile or move their body. All of these are meaningful forms of communication.
The same principle can be used with swings, slides, jumping, tickles, throwing a ball or pushing a toy car. The goal isn't to make your child repeat a particular word. Instead, create exciting, predictable moments where communication has a genuine purpose.
3. Talk less. Connect more.
It is easy to feel that we need to ask lots of questions to encourage language: “What’s that?” “What colour is it?” “What is he doing?”
However, children can learn a great deal simply by hearing us talk about what already has their attention.
Instead of: “What colour is the car?”
Try: “The red car is going so fast!”
Instead of: “What is Teddy doing?”
Try: “Teddy is hungry. Let’s give him some food.”
Comments give children language to listen to without requiring an immediate response. When you follow their interests, you also make it easier for them to stay engaged and connected with you.
4. Everyday routines are full of language
You don't need special toys, worksheets or structured activities to support communication. Some of the best opportunities are already built into your day.
Getting dressed: “Socks on. Shoes next.”
Making lunch: “Cut the banana. More banana?”
In the car: “We’re going to the shops.”
Bath time: “Splash! All wet!”
Getting ready for bed: “First pyjamas, then story.”
Repeated language within familiar routines helps children connect words with actions and experiences, build understanding and gradually begin using those words themselves.
5. Give your child space to communicate
When you know exactly what your child wants, it can be difficult not to jump in immediately. Try giving them a few seconds to show you what they are thinking or wanting.
If your child reaches for the bubbles, you might say: “Bubbles…” Then pause.
They might say “bubbles”, point, reach, look at you, make a sound or use another form of communication. All of these are communication.
We want children to experience communication as something meaningful and powerful, rather than something they have to perform perfectly for an adult.
Play builds more than speech
When children play with us, they are developing far more than vocabulary.
Through play, children have opportunities to develop joint attention, turn-taking, listening, understanding, social communication, problem-solving and the ability to express ideas and needs.
A simple game of rolling a ball back and forth can introduce turn-taking. Waiting for a turn on the slide creates opportunities to practise social communication. Building a tower together encourages planning, problem-solving and language.
These foundational skills support children's participation in everyday interactions and provide an important foundation for later learning.
A little play can go a long way
There is no perfect way to play with your child, and you certainly don't need to become their teacher at home.
Your role is simply to connect, notice what interests your child and create opportunities to share the experience.
Get down on their level. Follow their lead. Talk about what they are doing. Pause and give them a chance to respond. And, most importantly, have fun.
Because when children are given opportunities to move, play, connect and communicate, they aren't just having fun — they are building the foundations for how they learn, interact and connect with the world around them.
Ready, set, grow!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caterpillar Speech and Language Therapy
Paediatric speech, language, communication and feeding support, with a play-based, family-centred approach.
Cape Integrated Health | Westlake Square
1 Westlake Drive, Unit D5 | Mondays
Enquiries & bookings: 078 832 6850