SYDNEY SPEECH THERAPY

The Power of Play

Play is so much more than fun. It is one of the most powerful ways children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them. From supporting language development to building connections with the people around them, play is at the heart of early childhood development.

Why Play Matters

Play creates a safe space where children can develop new skills, explore new ideas, and learn from their experiences in a fun and meaningful way.

Speech & Language

  • Speech Intelligibility

  • Vocabulary

  • Grammar

  • Story telling

Motor Skills

  • Fine motor skills

  • Gross motor skills

  • Hand-eye coordination

Social Skills

  • Turn taking & sharing

  • Building relationships

  • Understanding rules

  • Perspective thinking

Motor Skills

  • Fine motor skills

  • Gross motor skills

  • Hand-eye coordination

Sensory

  • Sensory exploration

  • Sensory tolerance

  • Body awareness

Emotional Development

  • Expressing emotions

  • Emotional regulation

  • Winning and losing

Cognitive

  • Attention &
    concentration

  • Organisation &
    planning

Nijhof et al. (2018). Healthy play, better coping: The importance of play for the development of children in health and disease. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 95, 421–429.

Sensory

  • Sensory exploration & tolerance

  • Body awareness

Social Skills

  • Turn taking & sharing

  • Building relationships

  • Understanding rules

  • Perspective thinking

Cognitive

  • Problem solving

  • Attention and concentration

  • Creativity and imagination

  • Planning skills

Emotional Development

  • Expressing emotions

  • Emotional regulation

  • Winning and losing

  • Confidence

Speech & Language

  • Speech Intelligibility

  • Vocabulary

  • Grammar

  • Narrative and story telling

  • Children play independently with toys that they are given.

  • Children watch and observe other children playing. They may talk to them about what they are doing, but may not join them.

  • Children will play alongside other children using the same toys, or similar toys, however will not ‘play together’. Their play reminds focused on their own ideas only.

  • Children play with other children in the same activity. They may not share a shared goal or plan their play.

  • Children will play and engage with other children in the same activity. They will work together to have a shared purpose and work towards a collaborative goal.

Play Development

As children grow, the way they play with others changes and develops. Understanding these stages can give us valuable insight into a child's social and communication development.

The Informed SLP. (n.d.). Play through the ages: Early development and assessment. Retrieved June 9, 2026, from https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/play-through-the-ages

Not sure where to start?

If you have concerns about your child’s play skills, we’re here to help!

Get in touch today