TIPS For Families

Written by:  Janet Hanna, Extension Educator
Source:  NebFact Communication and Language in Play
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Building Strong Families

Play involves language with an adult that provides a foundation for later literacy.  Play activities can support the development of emergent literacy skills.

Children at play

• Explore their environment, act out their thinking and assume the roles and perspectives of others.
• Create their own Ameanings@ (e.g., a chair can become a car, a wooden spoon can become a paintbrush).
• Focus on the act of playing itself rather than goals.  Play is self-sustaining because it is satisfying.
• Learn and practice new behaviors.

Families and caregivers

• Value play as a constructive way for children to occupy themselves and a way for children to make friends.
• Use play to gain cooperation in care giving routines, to manage behavior, to help children recover from distress and teach desirable behaviors.
• Give children time and space to play.

Educators

• Find play is a rich opportunity for teaching cognitive, social, motor and adaptive skills.

.If you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feedback Form link below.  For more information on play go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln publication website at www.ianrpub.unl.edu and click on Families.