Nurturing early communication through play
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Image description: A parent smiles at a laughing young child lying on a bed. The child covers their mouth while making eye contact with the parent, sharing a playful moment together.
Key points:
Communication starts long before first words, through eye contact, gestures, babbling, and shared attention
Toy libraries provide playful resources that build communication, connection and parent confidence
Every child develops differently, and warm, responsive interactions help communication grow
On this page:
(Click on the headings below to jump to a section.)
↓ Communication starts before first words
↓ How toy libraries support early communication
↓ Talk during everyday routines
↓ Use gestures and expressions
↓ Every child develops at their own pace
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Communication starts before first words
Long before children use words, they communicate through playful moments of smiling, looking, reaching, and sharing attention. These everyday interactions teach the basics of communication: listening, taking turns, responding, and feeling understood.
Speech Pathologist Alice Crook explains:
“Children’s communication skills grow over time, often from using eye contact and smiling to taking turns and babbling. These ‘pre-verbal’ skills lay the foundation for further communication development.”
How toy libraries support early communication
As a former committee member at Ocean Grove Toy Library, Alice encourages families to join early.
"Borrowing simple toys like musical rattles, pop-up toys, or stacking items helps you discover what interests your child. Toys naturally become the topic of conversation as you explore them together."
Toy Libraries Australia's Social Return on Investment (SROI) research shows the value of toy libraries goes far beyond access to toys or reducing cost-of-living pressures. They help build parent confidence and capability, especially in the early months. As one parent shared:
"I think I would be less confident as a mum… even just getting you and baby out of the house can feel monumental, and the trip to the toy library is a good thing to do."
Simple ways to nurture communication every day
Follow your child's lead
Children communicate more when they're engaged in something they enjoy. Join in with what your child is already interested in and let your child guide the interaction.
If they're rolling a car, sit next to them and roll one too.
If they're stacking blocks, comment: "Up, up, up!" or "So tall!"
Exploring a newly borrowed toy is a great chance to let your child's curiosity take the lead, join in and share in their excitement and joy.
Slow down and wait
Giving your child time to respond, even when you're tempted to fill the silence, encourages their participation and lets them reply in their own way.
Pause after you speak.
Wait with an open, encouraging expression.
Give them space to take a turn.
Pop-up toys are perfect for practising this rhythm.
Repeat and expand
Build on what your child says so they hear richer language without feeling corrected or pressured.
Child says: "Cow"
Adult might say: "Yes, a cow. Cow says moo."
Talk during everyday routines
Children learn words through repeated, meaningful moments. Use everyday routines to talk about what you and your child are doing, giving them lots of natural opportunities to hear the same words again and again.
Mealtime: "Yum, I like banana."
Dressing: "Arm in… other arm now."
Bath time: "Splash! Splashing is fun!"
Use gestures and expressions
Pair your words with clear gestures, expressions and tone to reinforce meaning.
Point to objects as you name them.
Wave when saying "bye-bye."
Use big facial expressions to show feelings.
Act out verbs, like saying "mixing" while stirring a toy cooking pot.
This helps children grasp meaning before they can speak the words themselves.
Every child develops at their own pace
Early communication looks different for every child, and connection matters far more than perfection. When you share a smile, respond to a babble, or follow your child's lead in play, you're doing something powerful: helping them learn to connect, communicate and thrive.
Resource contributor
This resource was developed in collaboration with Alice Crook, Speech Pathologist and Director at Ocean Grove Speech Pathology.
Learn more about Alice and Ocean Grove Speech Pathology here:
Further reading and resources
Aussie Deaf Kids website
Article: Play and games and the development of speech and language
Ocean Grove Toy Library
Video: Using Duplo to role play to practice sounds in play with Speech Pathologist, Alice (@theogspeechie)
Video: Sheree Committee Member and local kinder teacher, using toy library toys with books
How to spark your child’s play with open-ended questions
This short video from Raising Children Network shows you how to ask open-ended questions to spark children’s play
