Let’s Get Talking – Building Language Through Play

Language development is one of the most powerful predictors of a child’s future academic and social success. But did you know that building strong language skills doesn’t require flashcards or formal lessons? The best language learning happens naturally—through play, everyday conversations, and shared experiences.
At Las Colinas Children’s Academy (LCCA), we embed language learning into every moment of the day. Whether it’s during circle time, snack time, or dramatic play, our teachers know how to turn play into powerful language opportunities. In this post, we’ll show you how to do the same at home.

Why Language Development Matters
Language isn’t just about speaking—it’s about understanding, expressing, connecting, and learning. Children who develop strong language skills early on are better able to:

• Build friendships and resolve conflicts
• Express needs and emotions
• Learn to read and write more easily
• Succeed academically in later years

Research shows that the number of words a child hears and uses in their early years directly impacts brain development. But quality is just as important as quantity!

Milestones to Watch For (0–5 years)
Infants (0–12 months):

• Respond to sounds and voices
• Coo and babble
• Turn toward their name
• Say first words near 12 months

Toddlers (1–2 years):

• Use 50+ words
• Combine two-word phrases (“more juice”)
• Point to objects when named

Preschoolers (3–5 years):

• Use complete sentences
• Ask and answer questions
• Tell simple stories
• Understand concepts like “under,” “behind,” “before”

Every child develops at their own pace, but it’s always the right time to nurture language.

How Play Builds Language
Play creates the perfect environment for language-rich interactions. Here’s how:
1. Pretend Play
Children take on roles and act out scenarios—like grocery shopping, doctor visits, or caring for a baby. These games build vocabulary and storytelling skills.
Try this: Set up a pretend bakery with play dough and rolling pins. Ask, “What kind of cookies are you making today?”
2. Storytelling Through Toys
Dolls, action figures, and animals become characters in your child’s stories. Use open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.
Try this: “What’s the dog’s name? Where is he going?”
3. Block Play
Describe shapes, sizes, and actions while your child builds. Introduce spatial and descriptive language.
Try this: “You stacked the red block on top of the tall blue one. What happens if we add another?”
4. Music & Movement
Singing songs and dancing to rhymes like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” introduces vocabulary and sequencing.
Try this: Make up your own silly verses or let your child create new lyrics!

​Language Tips for Parents
1. Narrate Your Day
Describe what you’re doing: “I’m cutting your banana into little pieces. Now I’m putting them in your bowl.”
2. Expand On What They Say
If your child says “truck,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big red dump truck driving on the road!”
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Skip yes/no questions. Try “What do you think will happen next?” or “How did you feel when we went to the park?”
4. Read Every Day
Books build vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Read favorite stories again and again—it helps children predict and participate.

LCCA’s Favorite Read-Aloud Books
Infants:

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Toddlers:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Preschoolers:

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

What We Do at LCCA
Our teachers are trained to:

• Encourage turn-taking in conversations
• Model rich, expressive language
• Use children’s interests to introduce new words
• Sing, rhyme, and play with sounds all day long

We also observe and track children’s language development to support them at each stage. If concerns arise, we work with families and specialists for additional support.

When to Seek Support
If your child:

• Isn’t babbling by 12 months
• Has fewer than 50 words by 2 years
• Doesn’t respond to their name
• Shows frustration when trying to communicate

Talk to your pediatrician or reach out to early intervention services. Early help makes a big difference.

​Final Thoughts
Language grows in loving, playful environments. By talking, singing, reading, and playing with your child every day, you’re building the foundation for communication, confidence, and connection.
At LCCA, we celebrate the power of words and support every child’s voice—starting from their very first coos.