Thursday 6th February 2020

Using Play to Engage & Communicate

"Play which provides suitable opportunities to strengthen the body, improve the mind, develop the personality and acquire social competence, it is as necessary as food, warmth and protective care’  Sheriden, M. (p. 14). 

Play is essential for humans but is often not recognised as significant.  It is important on many levels and is the building blocks for many of the skills needed both growing up and in adulthood.  Sometimes people may assume that being able to play comes naturally, and that all children can play, however this is not the case.  For many children, playing does not come easily and it is a skill that needs to be encouraged and developed. However, parents/carers and professionals are often given little support to understand the necessity of play and how to use playful activities to develop the children’s skills.  This practical and playful workshop will explore the following:

• The Importance of Play for learning 
• The different stages of play 
• How best to encourage play skills in the different stages 
• Practical tools to enhance play skills

This course is open to 

Education staff, health staff, social care staff, family support workers, early years staff and anyone who is working with children and young people.