learn to play

Learn to Play was created by Karen Stagnitti for children who might benefit from developing their play abilities, may need some support to be able to play with friends or may find playing with toys or objects difficult.

Pretend play is the focus of Learn to Play. Pretend play is a complex form of play that many children need support to develop. Pretend play is linked to the development of language skills, problem solving, creativity, self-regulation and social and emotional wellbeing.​

During Learn to Play sessions, I will use a range of play and pretend play activities to engage your child and support their joyful participation in play.​

You can read more about Learn to Play here.

who is learn to play for?

Learn to Play can be beneficial to children from 3-8 years old who many have difficulties engaging in play and playing with friends.

It may also be supportive for children with developmental delays, autistism spectrum disorders and language disorders.

what can my child expect in a session?

During Learn to Play sessions we will be focusing on developing your child's pretend play skills. Each week we will engage in different play activities that will focus on some common play scripts (stories in your child's play) as well as some stories that we know your child is interested in. These could include:

- doctors

- going shopping

- tea parties

- going on an adventure

- travelling to space​

what are the benefits of learn to play?

Through building your child's pretend play skills they may develop their abilities to initiate play, to join others in play, to enjoy play. As children develop their ability in pretend play, you might also notice:

  • An increase in their social skills

  • An increase in understanding emotions

  • Using more language

  • Using different thinking strategies

"The playing adult steps sideward into another reality, the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery."

- Erik H. Erikson

Please get in touch to discuss Learn to Play sessions for your child or children in your organisation or school.