Using Play Therapy to Support Language

Play motivates children to be more involved in their environment, and having the chance to initiate movement and contact with the world, even in small ways, encourages more exploration. During this exploration children find many new experiences that need a name or a sign or a tactile cue so they can ask for it again or tell you they enjoy it! Since all children need sensory representations of the world before they can “attach” a word to the concept, real life experience is essential to future language comprehension and expression. This webinar will focus on enjoying open ended exploration activities while being mindful of using specific and consistent language with your child to make vocabulary more accessible and relevant to their experience, whether through cues, speech, signs, or gestures. Parents and children are invited to attend this webinar to practice and adapt creative communication activities for their home. 
Handouts for parents: 
⦁ General Guidelines for Introducing Language in Play
⦁ Three Part Lesson: A game for introducing new words
⦁ Create a Play Space with Consistent Materials
⦁ Funny Sculptures
⦁ Use Music