Children’s Language Learning
Learning Through Play &
Interaction
Topic 2
Learning Through Play & Interaction
• Learning Through Play
- the importance of play in language
development
- creating the right environment for play
- developing language through play
• Learn Through Interaction
- talking to young children
- encouraging emotional development
- developing language through interactions
Learning Through Play - Introduction
Play as a Tool for Learning:
Play provides a natural context for language learning. It allows
children to experiment with words, structures, and concepts in a
fun and supportive environment.
Benefits of Play in Language Development:
o Encourages communication skills
o Expands vocabulary
• Helps children understand the structure of language through real-
life scenarios.
The Importance of Play in Language
Development
Natural and Enjoyable:
o Play is an enjoyable activity, making it a motivating way for
children to learn language.
o Children are more likely to engage in conversations, ask
questions, and use language during play when they are
having fun.
Supports Vocabulary Development:
o Through various play activities (e.g., pretend play, playing
with toys), children learn new words and their meanings.
The Importance of Play in Language Development
Interactive Nature of Play:
o Play allows for dynamic, back-and-forth exchanges (e.g., role-
playing or playing games), which helps with conversational
skills.
Real-Life Context:
o Play often imitates real-life activities, helping children
understand and use language in authentic contexts (e.g.,
playing "house" or "store" exposes them to family and social
roles).
Creating the Right Environment for Play
Safe and Stimulating Spaces:
o Provide environments that are both safe and conducive to learning.
A well-organized play area encourages children to explore.
Toys and Materials:
o Offer toys, books, and materials that stimulate conversation. For
example:
Dolls and action figures for role-playing
Picture books for storytelling
Puzzles and games that prompt questions and discussions
Creating the Right Environment for Play
Balance Between Free and Structured Play:
o Both unstructured (free play) and structured (e.g., educational games, guided activities) play are
important for language development.
o Free play encourages creativity, while structured play can focus on specific learning goals like counting
or naming objects.
Adult Participation:
o Adults should engage in play with children. By modeling language and asking open-ended questions,
adults can guide and expand the child’s vocabulary.
Developing Language Through Play
Role Play and Pretend Play:
o Activities like playing “house,” “doctor,” or “store” require children to use complex language
structures and expand their vocabulary in a meaningful way.
o Role-playing different characters allows children to practice new words and ideas in context.
Storytelling and Books:
o Reading books aloud and encouraging children to tell their own stories are excellent
methods for developing narrative skills and comprehension.
o Asking children to predict what will happen next in a story fosters their ability to think
critically and use language creatively.
Developing Language Through Play
Games and Songs:
o Language-based games (e.g., memory games, word associations) and songs with repetitive phrases
help reinforce language skills and patterns.
o Rhyming songs, chants, and games (like “Simon says”) help children learn phonetics and pronunciation.
Collaborative Play:
o When children play together, they practice social communication skills like taking turns, listening, and
negotiating language use.
o Collaborative activities like group building projects or playing with others can deepen social and
linguistic abilities.
Learning Through Interaction - Introduction
Verbal Interactions as Core Learning Tool:
Language acquisition happens best when children are engaged in conversations
with adults and peers. Talking directly with children helps them grasp linguistic
structures and social communication.
Language Exposure:
Talking to children regularly exposes them to a variety of vocabulary and
sentence structures, helping them learn through context.
Talking to Young Children
Modeling Language:
o Adults should model correct grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures during everyday
conversations.
o By speaking clearly and using full sentences, adults help children understand the mechanics
of language.
Early and Frequent Communication:
o Start talking to children even in infancy—narrate what you are doing, explain the
environment, or talk about their actions. This gives them a foundation for learning language.
Talking to Young Children
Responding to Children’s Speech:
o Encourage and respond to all attempts at communication, whether verbal or
non-verbal. For example, if a child points to an object, say, “Yes, that’s a red
ball,” to introduce vocabulary.
Using Simple and Clear Language:
o Use language that is just slightly above the child’s current level to challenge
them without overwhelming them (e.g., “I see the big red ball” instead of just
“ball”).
Encouraging Emotional Development
Talking About Emotions:
o Encourage children to express their feelings by naming emotions:
happy, sad, angry, excited. This helps expand their emotional
vocabulary and strengthens their ability to communicate feelings.
Empathy and Emotional Understanding:
o Use conversations to discuss empathy: "How do you think she
feels?" or "How would you feel if that happened to you?"
Encouraging Emotional Development
Developing Social Skills:
o Teaching children to take turns, share, and respond to others
emotionally builds both social and linguistic competence.
Language and Emotional Expression:
o Linking words with emotions teaches children to understand how
language can express complex feelings.
Developing Language Through Interactions
Everyday Conversations:
o Use everyday situations to engage in conversation—whether at the store, in
the car, or at home. This makes language learning practical and relevant.
Active Listening:
o Show interest in what the child is saying by asking follow-up questions and
expressing excitement about their thoughts (e.g., “Tell me more about
that!”).
Developing Language Through Interactions
Asking Open-Ended Questions:
o Encourage dialogue by asking questions that require more than a yes or no
answer, such as, "What did you do today?" or "Why do you think that
happened?"
Reading Together:
o Reading books aloud is one of the most effective ways to expose children to
rich language and build their vocabulary. Discuss the plot, characters, and
illustrations to encourage language comprehension and expression.
End of topic 2
Thank you
