Rhonda Rubin, S-LP(C), Moncton, New Brunswick

Play is recognised as an important part of a child's development and much has been written about learning and socialising through play. Toys and games are the tools that offer not only amusement, but also valuable experiences.

Growth in a child's communication skills may be fostered by providing appropriate toys. Good toys should:

• be well constructed and safe
• be attractive and interesting to the child
• be suited to the child's ability, but not too restricted
• be easy to clean
• offer replacement parts
• lend themselves to multiple use

Exploring and handling toys helps the child to acquire meaningful language in a natural context, in preparation for learning abstract concepts. Vocabulary and concept knowledge is increased by offering the preschool child sorting items, blocks, movement toys, and realistic play sets.

Creative play and thinking skills are enhanced though the use of art materials, role playing toys, and playmats. Puzzles and mechanical toys promote the development of inner thinking.

Toys that appear simple may serve to encourage cooperative play and help a child develop turn taking, social language, and listening skills. Preschool children often enjoy trying out roles through puppets, while older children prefer board games and card games.

Play is vital to all children's growth. A child with special needs might require adaptations to enhance active independent use of commercially available items. Straps to help grasp, knobs or dowels to extend buttons, or toy stabilisation with velcro or suction cups may be helpful.

A child learns about the world through play. Providing the right toys and games will offer more opportunities to strengthen the child's language development while having fun. 

© Communiqué, CASLPA/ACOA