Making Play Meaningful for Every Child

Welcome back, our GiGi’s community!

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we know that play is more than just fun – it’s how children learn, connect, and grow!
During our recent Parent University session, Building Social Play Skills in Children with Sensory
Processing Challenges, BayCare representatives joined us to share strategies and insights on how
families and caregivers can foster meaningful, engaging play experiences.

What is Play and Why Does It Matter?
● Sensory integration – learning to process sights, sounds, and touch in comfortable ways
● Self-regulation – calming, focusing, and expressing emotions
● Language and communication – taking turns, describing, and sharing ideas
● Motor skills – strengthening both fine and gross motor coordination
● Social skills – learning to cooperate, make friends, and navigate group play

Understanding Sensory Processing
Children with sensory processing challenges may seek out or avoid different types of sensory input.
Some may love movement, loud sounds, and textures, while others prefer calm, gentle, and predictable
play. Recognizing these preferences helps parents create experiences that are both fun and comfortable.

Stages of Social Play
● Solitary play – exploring independently
● Parallel play – playing near others
● Associative play – sharing toys or space
● Cooperative play – playing together toward a common goal

Supporting Play and Connection
Each child’s play style is unique. Some children love movement and action, while others prefer quiet or
hands-on activities. You can support both by:
● Encouraging parallel play (side by side activities)
● Introducing turn-taking games like Simon Says or Guess Who
● Creating calm, predictable environments
● Using visual schedules or social stories to prepare for transitions
● Celebrating small successes and joyful moments along the way

Toys and Activities by Age
● Infants: soft rattles, tummy time, peek-a-boo
● Toddlers: stacking cups, shape sorters, pretend play
● Preschoolers: art, music, and building activities
● School-age kids: board games, LEGO, and outdoor play
● Teens: create projects, music, journaling, and social games

Resources for Parents
● Pathways.org – resources for developmental milestones and activities for each age
● Adaptive sports programs
● Special Olympics
● YMCA programs
● We Rock the Spectrum – Indoor sensory gym

Be sure to check out our programs calendar on our website to register for the next Family Speaker:
Parent University Program night. This program is every fourth Wednesday of every month from
7:00-8:30pm. It is held both virtually, as well as in-person at the Tampa Playhouse.
https://gigisplayhouse.org/tampa/sfcalendar/