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Simple Strategies for Supporting Development Through Play

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By Amy Vickrey, MSE

There are days my son just needs to play. And honestly? That used to make me feel like I was falling behind in our homeschool schedule. I’d think, “Is this enough?” But over the years, I’ve learned to see play not as a break from learning—but as the learning.

For children with unique needs—who may take longer to develop social, language, or cognitive skills—play is not only important, it's essential. Whether they’re building a tower, pretending to be superheroes, or playing near siblings, children are working through challenges, building skills, and making sense of the world.

Let’s explore how play supports deep learning—and how you can make it work in your homeschool today.

What Kids Really Learn Through Play

Play is more than entertainment. It’s a full-body, full-brain, real-world learning experience. Children develop in five major areas through play:

Social Skills

  • Sharing and turn-taking

  • Negotiating and compromising

  • Leading or following in groups

Physical Skills

  • Fine motor control (important for writing and daily tasks)

  • Gross motor coordination and balance

  • Spatial awareness

Language and Literacy

  • Learning how sounds work together in words

  • Practicing back-and-forth conversation

  • Expanding vocabulary through pretend scenarios

Cognitive Development

  • Early math (sorting, measuring, building)

  • Science and logic through trial and error

  • Problem solving and critical thinking

Emotional Growth and Confidence

  • Safe space to try new things

  • Expressing pride in accomplishments

  • Gaining independence through self-directed activities

Quick-Start Guide: How to Support Play Today

Even if you're busy or overwhelmed, here are simple ways to guide your child’s play with intention:

1. Rotate Toys Weekly

Keep playtime fresh and focused by offering fewer, open-ended options.

How: Pick 3–5 toys or activities to feature each week. Store the rest out of sight.
Examples: Blocks, costumes, animal figurines, magnetic tiles, a small chalkboard.

2. Join In—Then Step Back

Your presence can model new ideas, then give your child space to run with it.

How: Sit beside them, ask a question, join their storyline—but don’t take over.
Say: “What happens next?” or “Can I build with you?”

3. Use a “Play Plan”

Help your child build early executive functioning skills by making a simple plan before play.

How: Ask, “What are you going to play, and how will you start?”
Example: “I’m going to build a zoo and feed the animals.”

4. Keep It Short and Intentional

Even 5–10 minutes of focused attention can fill your child’s cup.

How: Set a timer. Enter their world with full attention. Then let them continue solo while you prep lunch or transition to the next subject.

5. Celebrate Learning Out Loud

Notice and name what your child is doing well—it builds confidence and reinforces growth.

How: “You figured that out all by yourself!” or “That’s a smart solution. Tell me more!”

Understand the Stages of Play (and Why They Matter)

Children move through different types of play at their own pace. Knowing what to look for helps you support the next step.

Stage What It Looks Like How to Support It
Unoccupied Play Random movement, not focused on toys or others Offer gentle structure with familiar objects or music
Solitary Play Playing alone, no interaction with others Sit nearby, narrate what they’re doing
Onlooker Play Watching others but not joining Invite with low pressure: “Want to help me with this?”
Parallel Play Playing side-by-side, not together Mirror their actions with a similar toy
Associative Play Some interaction, not shared goals Encourage teamwork in short bursts
Cooperative Play Shared rules and goals in group play Provide simple group games or pretend scenarios

Let your child lead. Each stage builds toward stronger collaboration, empathy, and social understanding.

Bonus: Simple Play-Based Learning Ideas

Here are a few ideas you can implement this week that blend fun with foundational skills:

  • Pretend Store: Practice counting money, turn-taking, and polite conversation

  • Nature Treasure Hunt: Label items, talk about textures, compare shapes and sizes

  • Build a City: Use blocks or boxes to build roads, parks, and homes. Add signs and create a story

  • Puppet Shows: Act out a favorite story or create one together. Focus on voice tone and emotion

  • Play-Dough Bakery: Fine motor work + pretend play + early math = a win for everyone

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Feel Guilty About Play

If play is what your child wants—and needs—today, let them play. It’s not a break from school; it is school. When we honor play as a learning tool, we build confidence, connection, and a love of exploration.

And if you're like me, sometimes that playtime is your only window to catch your breath, prep for the next lesson, or finish the laundry. That’s okay too.

So say yes to blocks. Yes to silly voices. Yes to forts made of couch cushions. Play might be the most productive part of your homeschool day.

Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

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