How to play to support early language
If you’ve ever wondered how to play with your toddler in a way that helps their development, without feeling like you need a script, flashcards, or fancy toys, you’re in the right place. The truth is, the most powerful kind of play doesn’t need to look like school. It doesn’t need to be structured. And you don’t need to “teach” in the traditional sense. You just need to get down on the floor and PLAY!
What Is Floor Play?
Floor play is exactly what it sounds like, you…getting on your child’s level. It means sitting on the floor and entering their world. No agenda or structured lists, just following their lead and what they’re interested in. When you join your child on the floor and follow their interests, you’re doing more than playing. You’re making a meaningful connection with them that builds trust nd promotes opportunities for communication!
What Is Child-Led Play?
Child-led play is all about letting your child take the lead, even if that means stacking blocks and knocking them down over and over again. Instead of directing the activity, or asking a ton of questions, you simply follow their interests and join in. Let’s take some examples:
If they’re pushing a car, you might grab another car and copy them
If they’re feeding a doll, you might say “mmm, babies hungry!”
If they’re lining up animals, you could say “Come on pig, let’s go! All aboard!”
You're not correcting them or telling them what to do. You're joining in by following their interests and showing them that their play is important, and that you're along for the ride.
Why Open-Ended Play Is the Best Kind of Play
Open-ended play means there’s no right or wrong way to use the toy. These kinds of toys and materials encourage imagination, problem-solving, and creativity. Think: blocks, animals, scarves, toy food, cars, dolls, or cardboard boxes. Open-ended play gives your child freedom to explore and communicate, and gives you a perfect opportunity to model simple language.
How to Support Language During Play (Without Pressure)
You don’t need to ask 100 questions or tell your child to “say this” or “what’s that?” This can feel like pressure (though well-meaning) to your child and cause them to become dysregulated or shut down all together.
Instead, try this:
Model simple words or short phrases
Say what you see: “ball!” “Go car!” “Uh oh, it fell!”
Repeat the same words often
Repetition helps your child connect words to actions and objects.
Add one more word
If your child says “ball,” you say “blue ball!” or “throw ball!”
Pause and wait
Leave space for your child to respond. And remember we celebrate all forms of communication (gestures, looks, sounds, & words)!
Final Thoughts
Regulation and connection always come before communication. When your child feels safe & supported, the words will come more naturally. And remember, you don’t need fancy toys or flashcards. You just need you, on the floor, in their world, sharing play and curiosity. Because true language learning starts with connection. And connection begins with play. At Meaningful Connections, I help families support early language through simple, play-based strategies that fit into real life. Book a FREE consult today!
