The importance of play for children with disabilities

Play is a way for children to learn. Free or unstructured play in early childhood is an important way for children to learn about their world.

How play helps children learn

As children grow, play helps them learn important social and emotional skills, such as:

• making up their own games and creating rules together
• learning how to enjoy playing, whether they win or lose
• practising patience and learning to manage big feelings during play
• sharing space with others - like taking turns or playing side by side
• solving problems together and learning how to talk things through

Play supports development

Play is fun, and it’s also really important. When children play, they get to be creative, express themselves, explore new ideas and enjoy themselves.

Play also supports their development.

It helps with:

• thinking and learning
• building movement and coordination skills
• growing confidence in how they interact with others

From a very young age, children explore the world around them through play.

Play helps them understand their surroundings - how things work, how people behave, and how they can take part in everyday life.

Play helps ease worries or fears

Play can also help children work through worries or fears in a gentle and safe way.

Through pretend play, children often explore everyday situations and practise different roles. For example, being a parent, a teacher or a doctor.

This kind of play can happen with other children or with supportive adults. It gives children a chance to express feelings, build understanding and feel more prepared for real-life experiences.

Tips to help your child explore play

There are things you can do to encourage your child to explore play.

Start with what they enjoy

Think about what your child loves to do. Use toys or activities that you know they enjoy. If they love to play something in one setting, take it out into another.

Show them something new

Show them what an unfamiliar toy does and how they can use it. Get down to your child’s level and use simple, step-by-step instructions.

Praise and encourage them

Praise and encourage your child for any responses they give you. The praise should clearly state what you are praising them for.

Mix it up

Alternate sit-down, structured play with more active, free play.

Break it down

If the game has too many rules, break it down into simpler steps.

Use play in everyday activities

Use everyday moments to engage your child with play. For example, playing dress-up will help your child to dress themselves.

Have a back-up plan

Understand that play will not always go to plan. If a new activity gets too challenging for your child, have some back-up activities that you know your child loves.

Take breaks

Remember it can take a lot of effort for a child to engage in play, so plan regular breaks.

How to help improve a child's play skills

There are lots of things you can do to help improve your child’s play and keep it fun. Experiment to find out the types of activities and games your child enjoys. Play with them regularly.

Give play a fresh angle by developing stories with your child as you play.

Make sure playing is led by them. For example, follow their lead and copy what they do with a toy. Do not be limited by what adults think should be done with a toy.

Play in different places. You could play on the floor, at the table or outside on the grass.

Make sure you are face-to-face with your child while playing. That gives them better opportunities to imitate or copy you.

Board games offer great play opportunities for older children. Games like Snakes and Ladders or Guess Who can help children practise turn-taking, following rules, and enjoying shared play with others.

They will also learn that it’s alright to not always be the winner.

Many children also enjoy video games. These can offer chances to connect, be creative and learn, especially when played together or talked about with family.

If your child finds play challenging

Not all children develop play skills in the same way or at the same pace.

If you notice your child is finding it hard to join in or enjoy play, they may benefit from some extra support. One way to support them is through therapy.

Therapists can help children:

• build confidence in playing and interacting with other children
• join in more easily at school or in places like the park or swimming pool
• learn how to solve problems during play
• develop their understanding and use of language
• take part in group activities, like school projects or team games
• explore everyday life skills through pretend play - for example, playing 'shops' can help a child learn how to choose an item, go to the counter, and pay for it

Further information

Encouraging your child’s development through play (video)

Importance of play for children and teenagers resources - p4play.eu

Resources to support parents and professionals - eismart.co.uk

This series of play leaflets is for children age up to 36 months. They are available in many languages.

Ei Smart newsletter on the importance of play - eismart.co.uk

Our thanks to the Ei Smart team for permission to reproduce these resources. More information available at Ei Smart.