Play & interaction development guide

Speech, language and communication

Giving children the best possible start in life

Play and Interaction Development Guide

Social interaction is key to the development of all speech, language and communication skills. By interacting with other, children learn that good conversations involve more than one person and can be fun!

Good interaction skills involve things like eye-to-eye contact, taking turns, sharing enjoyment and having an interest in what someone else is saying or doing.

Play allows children to learn about the world around them. Learning through play is vital for the development of a child’s communication skills. Children need to have a variety of experiences to help them explore their world and practise skills that are important for learning, such as sharing and taking turns.

1

Year

Interested in people and responds to them using facial expressions such as smiling or laughing
Will use pointing and will bring objects to show others
Enjoys social games such as peekaboo

2

Years

Acts out simple play routines e.g. ‘feeding’ toys, putting dolly to bed
Showing interest in other children
Sharing own enjoyment with others
Joining sequences together e.g. making tea and washing dishes

3-4

Years

Likes to play with other children
Enjoys pretend and imaginative play

4-5

Years

Beginning to learn about how to communicate in different ways in different places e.g. Speaking differently with friends and with teachers
Enjoys pretending to be another person and will act ‘in character’