In this presentation, you will learn: - The role dramatic play has on early childhood development - The link between play and overall development - Activities to do at home to foster positive language and social skills - What to do when language does not develop as it should - To understand a child’s perspective: How does it feel to have difficulties with language and communication?

1. Socially Speaking
The Link Between Language and Social Skills
October 21, 2014
Mandel JCC

2. Socially Speaking
Odette Hankins, M. S., CCC-SLP
Coordinator of Speech Pathology Services
A+ Solutions
216-896-0111
odette.hankins@thinkaplus.org

3. Socially Speaking
“Play is the work of children.
It’s very serious stuff.”
Bob Keeshan, a.k.a. Captain Kangaroo
1927-2004

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Plain Dealer http://www.thingamababy.com/photos
September 2014

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What is play?
Play is any form of “recreational activity, especially the spontaneous
activity of children.” (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
It is any activity that we do for fun and enjoyment.
What is dramatic play?
Dramatic play is “an imitative activity in which a child fantasizes and acts
out various domestic and social roles and situations, such as rocking a doll,
pretending to be a doctor or nurse, or teaching school. It is the
predominant form of play among preschool children.” (Free Dictionary)

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What are Social Skills?
Social skills are “the set of skills people use to interact and
communicate with one another.” (socialskillstraining.org)
They are the set of skills that are needed for “successful social
communication and interaction.” (dictionary.com)

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Social Skills
(just to name a few)
*Greetings *Informing *Topic Initiation
*Promising *Requesting *Commenting
*Demanding *Rephrasing *Topic Maintenance
*Proxemics *Eye Contact *Body Language
*Empathy *Emotions *Perspective Taking
*Turn Taking *Listening *Politeness Markers

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Categories of Play
• Physical Play
• Expressive Play
• Manipulative Play
• Symbolic Play
• Dramatic Play
• Familiarization Play
• Games
• Surrogate Play

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Functions of Play
 Physical Development
 Emotional Development
 Cognitive Development
 Social Development
 Moral Development

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Development of Play
• Solitary Play
• Parallel Play
• Associative Play
• Cooperative Play
• Onlooker Play

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Social Skills Levels – Birth to 5 Years
Language Development – Birth to 5 Years

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Age-Related Play and Toys for Each Age Level
• Infants
• Toddlers
• Preschoolers
• School-age Child

13. Questions?
Odette Hankins, MS. CCC-SLP
Coordinator of Speech Pathology Services
odette.hankins@thinkaplus.org
216-896-0111
www.ThinkAPlus.com