Deaf-friendly playtime tips

Around 90% of a child’s brain growth happens before the age of 5. During these foundation years, you have a huge impact by boosting your child’s development and learning in the early years through play.

While it’s natural to focus on milestones, it’s essential to remember that every child is different. If milestones are leaving you feeling inadequate, confused or frustrated, remember that play itself – simple, everyday fun – is just as worthwhile (or perhaps even more). It’s through play that children explore, learn and develop their confidence.

Why is play so important?

Play isn’t just fun – it's essential for your child’s emotional wellbeing and communication development. It offers opportunities for self-expression, exploration and connection. 

Although adult-led activities provide important interaction, child-led play allows for more spontaneous, flexible play. It’s OK to let your child take the lead during playtime, as it encourages independence and creative thinking.

If your child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, try to get them to wear theirs during play. This helps your child engage with the language and sounds around them. If they need a break from – or don’t use – hearing devices, you can still use sign language, facial expressions and other types of communication.

Play and social development

Playtime with others is important for social learning. Playing with others helps develop communication skills and understand how to interact with peers. Whether at a park or playgroup, seeing how others play gives your child the chance to learn new ways of interacting and explore what works for them.

How to get the most out of playtime

• Follow your child’s lead. Let them show you how they want to play. This boosts their motivation and makes playtime more enjoyable for both of you.
• Create a supportive environment. You might find it helpful to choose quiet spaces with fewer distractions and good lighting. Wherever you are, it's best to make sure your child can clearly see your face.
• Use gestures and expressions. Talking, signing and using facial expressions all help support communication during play.
• Be at eye level. Sitting or lying on the floor can help maintain eye contact and keep your child engaged.
• Include play in daily routines. Use moments like car journeys, mealtimes or shopping as opportunities to make everyday tasks fun and interactive.

The three ‘Rs’ in play

Try to incorporate rhyme, rhythm and repetition into playtime to enhance language development:

• Rhyme Singing nursery rhymes and poems helps with voice control and recognising intonation.
• Rhythm Playing with instruments or clapping teaches rhythm. (And rhythm helps language skills!)
• Repetition Repeating songs or stories helps reinforce language and memory.

Playtime tips for different ages

While play is incredibly beneficial for children, it doesn't stop being important as kids grow. In fact, play and playful activities are essential throughout life – whether for fostering creativity, building social connections or managing stress. 

Play can change depending on your child’s stage of development or interests.

• Babies Sensory play is fantastic at this age. Try things like finger painting, playing peek-a-boo with expressions or singing songs with key signs. (Our free family sign language classes for deaf children aged 5 and under are great for getting the whole family involved!)
• Toddlers Turn everyday activities into play. Use funny faces, sing songs and play simple games like ‘I Spy’ using signs.
• Young children Encourage imagination with role-play, and use activities like ‘Simon Says’ to practice listening, understanding and copying skills.
• Tweens and teens Board games, group activities and team sports can be fun, social ways to play. Consider exploring activities that align with their passions – like video games or music. Use subtitles, captioning, visual cues and sign language to make activities more inclusive.
• Young adults Sports, events and social groups can help build a sense of belonging. Just like in childhood, sensory play options (such as dance, painting, pottery, mindfulness and yoga) remain valuable for stress relief and self-care. 

Toys and games

You don’t need special toys for deaf children. Any age-appropriate toy can support your child’s development. 

Toys that make sounds or vibrate, such as musical instruments, can help with awareness and attention – and understanding cause and effect. (And it might help in future conversations about how hearing devices work). Depending on your child's level of hearing, you might want to look for toys that offer visual and tactile feedback.

Many parents have shared their love of toys that celebrate diverse abilities and backgrounds. Try to look for toys that reflect your child’s identity, like dolls with cochlear implants or hearing aids. 

If you're struggling to find something suitable, one option is to approach your local library to see if they have a 3D printer. If so, they might be able to help 'print' customised options for your child's toys.