Connecting through Play

"Enter into children's play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."

— Virginia Axline

“Research shows play can improve children's abilities to plan, organize, get along with others and regulate emotions. In addition, play helps with language, math and social skills, and even helps children cope with stress.”
- Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP (Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics)

Read the article on the right for ideas to play and connect with your learners!

The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children ThriveThe AAP encourages parents to use play to help meet their child's health and developmental milestones, beginning from birth. Here are some age-specific examples of ways to do this.

An important part of connecting through play is being able to follow the child's lead. How can you do this?

Describe the child’s play
Imitate the child’s play activities
Repeat and add onto what they have said or done
Validate their efforts and actions

2016-11-15-Affect-Autism Following their lead.pdf

CE043-child-directed-play.pdf

If you are finding that you have a hard time connecting with your child or keeping their attention during play, try out the following tips from Affect Autism:

Be in a state of authentic joy
Stay in the moment and respond to your child’s cues
Wait, watch, and wonder
Be silly and playful – enjoy the moment together
Mirror what you see your child presenting emotionally
Always presume competence

Fun easy games to connect with your young child through play - great resource for parents!

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