Swing Me!

Last week, I took my children to the park. I saw a grandfather there pushing his granddaughter on the swing. And I thought to myself, "What a beautiful moment of language and learning disguised in play". He was pushing her and then quickly moving away teasing her that she was going to get him. She was giggling and trying to get

him with her feet. Then, he'd go around again the other way and say "boo". He would lift her high on the swing saying "up, up, up! Okay, here we go! Don't get me this time!" It was

adorable to watch these precious two play together. He may not have known it, but he was stimulating her receptive and expressive language development, all through play

and interaction.

At Jump Start, we know the importance play has in the development of receptive and expressive language skills. We also put an emphasis on play as a pre-cursor to language development and incorporate play into our therapy sessions. Playing with your child while labeling, describing, exploring and narrating helps them learn about the world around them. It allows them to learn rich vocabulary, hear natural language structures, and learn to enjoy time with you. They develop their imagination, their trust in you, and the importance of language on a social level. So, don't be afraid to play with your child. You don't need a set script, just play and talk. Play at the park, enjoy a walk looking for bugs and rocks, play on the floor, tickle and laugh and enjoy your child.

O. Fred Donaldson once said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” Make time today to play with your child - I bet you will enjoy it too!!