Play Skills

Play is how children explore, learn, and connect with others. Play skills are vital for development. For some children, play does not come easily and may feel confusing, rigid, or difficult to engage in. Occupational therapy can support the development of play skills that help children participate more fully in daily life and social experiences.

At San Tan Little Hands, play skills development focuses on helping children engage in meaningful, age-appropriate play that supports learning, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

Supporting Play Skills Development Through Occupational Therapy

Our Approach

At San Tan Little Hands, play is never treated as “just play.” It is a powerful tool for growth and connection.

Our approach includes:

• Play-based occupational therapy in natural environments

• Respect for each child’s unique interests and strengths

• Collaboration with parents to support carryover at home

• Strategies that support participation in everyday routines and peer interactions

Therapy is designed to help children feel more confident, capable, and connected through play.

Parent Involvement

Parents play an important role in supporting play skills development. We work closely with families to:

• Share strategies that can be used at home

• Support play opportunities in daily routines

• Help caregivers understand how play supports development

Our goal is to support progress that continues beyond therapy sessions.

Get Started

If you have questions about your child’s play skills or wonder whether occupational therapy may be helpful, we’re here to help.

Contact San Tan Little Hands to learn more about play skills development and schedule a free consultation.

Who Can Benefit From Play Skills Development?

Play skills support may benefit children who:

• Prefer to play alone or struggle to engage with peers

• Have difficulty with turn-taking or sharing

• Show rigid or repetitive play patterns

• Have challenges with imagination or pretend play

• Become easily frustrated or overwhelmed during play

• Have difficulty participating in group or peer activities

Play skills development is often beneficial for children with a variety of developmental needs and differences.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Play Skills

Occupational therapy addresses play skills by looking at the whole child, including sensory processing, motor skills, attention, regulation, and social-emotional development.

Therapy may focus on:

• Increasing engagement and attention during play

• Supporting imaginative and pretend play

• Building flexibility and problem-solving

• Developing turn-taking and cooperative play skills

• Improving tolerance for changes, transitions, and shared play

• Supporting regulation during play with others

All activities are play-based, child-led, and individualized to meet your child’s needs and interests.

What Are Play Skills?

Play skills include a wide range of abilities, such as:

• Engaging with toys and activities in a purposeful way

• Using imagination and creativity

• Taking turns and sharing

• Playing flexibly rather than rigidly

• Initiating and maintaining play with others

• Understanding social cues during play

These skills form an important foundation for communication, relationships, and participation in school and community settings.