The Importance of Play in Early Development
- Taryn van der Westhuizen
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 2
From the very first giggles and wiggles, play lights up a child’s brain. It sparks creativity, problem-solving, and emotional understanding. Through play, children practice:
Fine motor skills — like grasping, holding, and manipulating objects.
Gross motor skills — such as crawling, jumping, and balancing.
Social skills — sharing, taking turns, and communicating.
Cognitive skills — exploring cause and effect, memory, and imagination.
Emotional skills — expressing feelings and learning self-regulation.
Play isn’t just a break from learning — it is learning, wrapped in fun and discovery.
How Occupational Therapy Uses Play as a Superpower
Occupational therapists (OTs) are like playful detectives. They tune into each child’s unique way of exploring and engaging with their world. Using play, OTs help children build skills that support everyday life. This includes getting dressed, feeding themselves, and joining in with friends.
Play-based therapy feels like fun because it is fun! But beneath the laughter and games lies a thoughtful approach to:
Encouraging movement and coordination.
Boosting hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Developing attention and problem-solving skills.
Fostering independence in daily routines.
At Nurtured Growth Therapy, we meet children where they’re at. We nurture their growth through play that feels natural and meaningful.
Simple Home Activities to Support Your Child’s Development
You don’t need fancy toys or special equipment to encourage skill-building at home. Here are some joyful, everyday activities that support development and invite playful learning:
1. Sorting and Stacking
Use colourful blocks, buttons, or even socks! Sorting by size or color helps build thinking and categorising skills. Stacking improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
2. Cooking Together
Measuring, stirring, pouring — cooking is a treasure trove of sensory and motor skills practice. Plus, it’s a perfect chance for your child to practice following simple instructions and feel proud of their creation.
3. Nature Treasure Hunts
Head outdoors with a small basket and collect leaves, pebbles, or flowers. This activity sharpens observation skills, encourages movement, and connects your child to the world around them.
4. Dress-Up and Role Play
Imagining new roles and dressing up builds creativity, social skills, and language. Plus, it’s a joyful way to practice fine motor skills through zipping, buttoning, and tying.
5. Music and Movement
Dancing, clapping, and marching to music support coordination, rhythm, and body awareness. It’s also a fantastic mood booster for the whole family!
Tips to Make Play Even More Magical
Follow your child’s lead: Let their interests guide the play—it’s more meaningful and fun!
Keep it simple: You don’t need fancy toys; everyday items are perfect.
Be present: Your attention and encouragement are the best parts of playtime.
Celebrate effort: Praise trying and exploring, not just success.
At Nurtured Growth Therapy, we’re here to support you in nurturing your child’s development through purposeful play every step of the way. If you want ideas tailored to your child’s unique journey or professional guidance on using play as therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make every moment a chance to play, learn, and grow — together.
