by Carole Somerville

Created on: September 11, 2009   Last Updated: March 12, 2010

How Play can meet the needs of the Child and How Adults can Help Toddlers Learn through Play

Why is play so important to a toddler? Because through play, children can learn to explore the world around them and develop learning experiences that help them make sense of the world.

Toddlers need to feel safe enough to be able to take risks and make mistakes in their creative pursuits. Play that is supervised by an adult gives them the chance to learn how to control their impulses and understand the need for rules.

Exploring through Play

A positive environment will give children time to explore, experiment, practice and repeat ideas and skills. The adult needs to try to achieve a balance between adult-initiated and child-initiated activities.

Through helping children make choices and decisions using the skills and knowledge they gain through play and through their creations adults are helping toddlers learn in a fun way.

Why is Play Important for Toddlers with Special Needs?

A positive play environment will take into account the needs of children of different ages and any special needs a child might have. If a child, for instance, cannot hear, they will need extra help through headphones with adjustable volume controls. In creative play, left-handed children may need specialised equipment such as a left-handed pair of scissors.

A positive environment will include materials, equipment and resources that will promote and support learning. The child's work such as collages, drawings etc. should be displayed on walls to give the children a sense of achievement and confidence.

Safety Factors in Play

Safety factors must also be acknowledged to provide a positive environment for play and learning. Sand and water trays should be placed on a non-slip surface. Any spillage should be regularly removed to avoid the danger of children slipping. Toys should be kept away from exits to the room as they may cause an obstruction. Broken and damaged toys should be removed immediately. Play is important for toddlers and it is important for adults to make sure the environment and the toys they play with are safe.

Sensory Experiences in Play

An adult who wants to help a child to learn through play might draw the child's attention to sensory experiences such as the feel of different textures and materials, the smell of different things and to encourage responses to pleasant and unpleasant stimuli using facial expressions, body language and words.

The adult might enjoy exploring the world alongside the child, encouraging conversation and valuing their reactions and at all times, considering the safety of the toddler.

Through supervised play, the children can play alone in the company of an adult, they might socialise with other children and adults and through this they will be learning how to co-operate and communicate with others.

Play and Problem Solving

Through play and interaction with an adult, the toddler might investigate and solve problems and improve their language skills as they talk or rehearse their feelings. Play helps children think creatively and imaginatively.

When in the company of other children, the toddlers should be encouraged to talk to each other about their creative work, saying what they like and how it might be made better. Adults might introduce children to the appropriate vocabulary to help them discuss their play experiences.

Sources:

Lindon, Jennie Understanding Children's Play (Nelson Thornes 2001)

Pound, Linda How Children Learn: (Step Forward Publishing 2005)

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