Play is so important for your child’s development. Did you know that good play skills can help your child later on in their academic career? Play is the foundation of your child’s critical thinking, problem solving and social skills. Children learn best through play and being engaged with others. When your child is playing, whether with their shape sorter as a baby or board games as a kindergartner, they are developing critical thinking, problem solving and social skills. Your child’s ability to play as a baby, toddler and as a young elementary school student will impact their ability to navigate through their academic career. Play is the basis of everything and so very important!
Summer break is coming to a close in DC, so it’s a good time to get some extra play time in with your child! The Inspired Treehouse has a blog post dedicated to family play. You can see the list on their website. We picked some of our favorites from their list to share with you below.
Explore the Magic of Your Backyard, Front Yard or Local Park
Play on the swing-set.
Play a game of tag.
Shoot some hoops
Play with sidewalk chalk.
Catch fireflies.
Play with hula hoops.
Set up a lemonade stand.
Play with bubbles.
Have a squirt gun or hose fight.
Try a round of backyard golf!
Get Moving
Take a bike ride.
Fly a kite.
Go to the pool.
Find a new hiking trail.
Go for a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood or local park.
Head to the playground or local park.
Climb a tree.
Do animal walks
Go canoeing or kayaking.
Try yoga together as a family.
Play jump rope.
Try Some Indoor Fun
Build a fort.
Play with your couch cushions!
Have a family game night.
Play I Spy.
Play with Play-Doh.
Visit a new museum.
Try out a new water park.
Work and Play as a Team
Make-up your own relay-race
Work together to create an art project.
Cook a meal together.
Learn a new skill –cartwheels, somersaults, monkey bars, swimming!
Use Your Imagination!
Play dress up.
Make your own movie or play.
Make your own musical instrument and start a band!
Bring out all of the stuffed animals in the house and play pet shop.
Line up all of the chairs in the house, get out a few suitcases and pretend you’re on a train or plane!
Learn how animals fall asleep and pretend to be each one.
We hope you and your child have fun trying out some of these ideas! Check back on The Speech Space blog for other fun ideas, toys and games you can do with your child to help increase their communication development.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, contact us at The Speech Space! We offer free screenings, which take approximately 30 minutes, and can help identify potential problems.