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The Hierarchy of Play: How Your Child's Play Skills Grow from Birth to Age 5

As a Speech-Language Pathologist here in Murrieta, CA, I’ve worked with countless families who wonder if their child’s play is “on track.”


Here’s the good news: play is one of the most important ways your child learns to think, talk, and connect. And yes—there’s actually a hierarchy of play skills that typically develops from birth through age 5.


In this blog, I’ll walk you through the stages of play development, why they matter for speech and language, and what to look for at home. Whether you live in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, or surrounding areas, I hope this guide gives you insight into how your little one is growing—and when to reach out for support.


🧠 Why Play Matters


Research shows that play and language development go hand in hand. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “play is a critical context for language learning,” especially in early childhood. Children first understand the world through play before they can talk about it.


Studies like Lifter & Bloom (1998) have shown that delays in play often go hand-in-hand with delays in expressive and receptive language—which is why Speech-Language Pathologists often assess play skills during evaluations.






🏡 Play in Murrieta: Why Local Support Matters


If you live in Murrieta, Temecula, or the Inland Empire, and your child isn’t showing typical play behaviors for their age—or if you’re unsure—it may be time to connect with a licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist near you.

At Virtual Speech Solutions, we offer:

  • Play-based speech and language therapy for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Parent coaching to help support play at home

  • In-person and virtual speech therapy options in Murrieta, CA

We believe every child deserves the chance to play, connect, and be heard.


📞 When to Reach Out


If your child:

  • Doesn’t imitate pretend actions (like feeding a doll) by age 2

  • Struggles to play with peers by age 3–4

  • Repeats the same actions over and over without variety

  • Has few words or uses mostly labels without engaging in play

  • Seems disinterested in toys or people

…a speech and language evaluation can help determine if support is needed.


💬 Final Thoughts


Play is more than just fun—it’s the foundation for thinking, socializing, and speaking. Understanding the stages of play development helps us support our children where they are and gently guide them forward.


If you're in Murrieta, California, and you’re looking for compassionate, play-based speech therapy, we’d love to connect.


📧 Contact Virtual Speech Solutions today to schedule a consultation and support your child’s growth—through play, connection, and communication.


 
 
 

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