10 Ways to Support Communication Through Play 🧸
When we think about communication, it's easy to focus on spoken language.
However, communication is so much more than words.
Children communicate through facial expressions, gestures, body language, sounds, movements, interests, behaviour, play and, for some, through alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
Every child communicates in their own unique way.
Play provides a natural opportunity to develop communication skills because it is motivating, engaging and meaningful.
Children are often at their most communicative when they feel safe, connected and genuinely interested in what they are doing.
Rather than directing play or testing what a child knows, we can support communication by joining their world, following their lead and creating opportunities for interaction.
Here are 10 ways to support communication through play.
1. Follow Their Lead 🦖
One of the most powerful things we can do is join in with what already interests the child.
If they are fascinated by trains, dinosaurs, water, dolls or cardboard boxes, use that interest as the starting point for interaction.
When children are engaged in something they enjoy, communication often happens more naturally.
Following their lead shows that their interests matter and helps build connection and trust.
2. Get Face-to-Face 👁️
Positioning yourself at the child's level can make it easier for them to notice facial expressions, gestures and communication opportunities.
This doesn't mean demanding eye contact.
Many neurodivergent children communicate and listen better when not making eye contact.
Instead, think about being available, present and accessible within their play space.
3. Comment More, Question Less 💬
It can be tempting to ask lots of questions during play.
"What colour is that?" 🎨
"What animal is this?" 🐒
"What noise does it make?" 🚗
While questions have their place, too many can make play feel like a test.
Instead, try commenting on what you see:
"That tower is getting really tall!" 🏗️
"You're driving the car very fast." 🏎️
"The bubbles are floating up high." 🫧
Comments provide language models without placing demands on the child.
4. Pause and Wait ⏸️
Communication takes time.
After making a comment, offering a toy or taking a turn, try pausing for a few seconds.
Children may need extra processing time to respond, particularly when they are focused, excited or regulating sensory information.
Allowing space gives children an opportunity to contribute in their own way.
5. Use Everyday Language 💬
Children learn language best when it is meaningful and connected to what they are experiencing.
Use simple, natural language that matches the activity.
For example:
"Splash splash!" 💦
"Big jump!" 🤸
"The teddy is sleeping." 🧸
"Ready, steady, go!" 🏁
Repeating key words within play can help children understand and use language in context.
6. Embrace All Forms of Communication 👉
Communication isn't limited to spoken words.
Children may communicate through:
Gestures 👋
Pointing 👉
Signs 🤟
Facial expressions 😊
AAC devices 📱
Sounds 🔊
Body language 🧍
Eye gaze 👀
Movement 🚶➡️
Recognising and responding to all forms of communication helps children understand that their voice matters.
Every communication attempt is valuable.
7. Create Opportunities for Turn-Taking 🔄️
Turn-taking is an important part of communication, but it doesn't need to involve sitting at a table or following strict rules.
Simple games can naturally encourage turn-taking, such as:
Rolling a ball ⚽
Building towers together 🧱
Taking turns on a swing 🛝
Pushing cars back and forth 🚗
Bubble play 🫧
The focus should be on enjoyment and connection rather than getting turn-taking "right".
8. Add a Little, Not a Lot 🤏
When a child communicates, try adding one extra word or idea.
For example:
Child: "Car."
Adult: "Fast car."
Child: "Dog sleeping."
Adult: "The dog is sleeping."
This expands vocabulary and language without correcting or pressuring the child.
9. Join Their Imagination 💭
Pretend play creates endless communication opportunities.
Whether you're serving tea in a café, rescuing dinosaurs, flying to space or building a secret den, imaginative play encourages storytelling, problem-solving, negotiation and self-expression.
Remember, there doesn't need to be a "right" way to play.
Follow the child's ideas and enjoy the journey.
10. Focus on Connection Over Perfection 💖
Communication develops through relationships.
Children don't need perfect language models, specialist toys or carefully planned activities.
What they need most is responsive, enjoyable interaction with people who value what they have to say.
When play is centred on connection, communication often grows alongside it.
Play is far more than entertainment.
It is how children learn about themselves, their relationships and the world around them.
By slowing down, following a child's interests and responding to their communication in all its forms, we create opportunities for language, confidence and connection to flourish.
Most importantly, we show children that communication is about being understood, valued and heard.
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