Play isn't just fun – it's how little minds learn and grow! Experts like those at Play Scotland identify 16 distinct play types, each unlocking unique developmental benefits. Whether it's developing a creative disposition through fantasy play, building social skills through social play, or strengthening bodies through locomotor play, every play type has a purpose. Research shows that play enhances brain development, emotional resilience, physical co-ordination and much more – making it an absolute MUST in early learning. At Sense-a-Story, the power of play is purposefully woven into each and every tale.
The activities that complement each story aren't just random – they're purposely chosen to weave in as many play types as possible (13 of the 16, to be exact), because it's through engaging in the widest range of play types that children gain the extensive benefits of play. Every squish, sniff, scribble and song in our sessions is a chance to ignite all 5 senses while sparking growth through play. Here's how we do it, with real examples from our classes, and the developmental benefit behind each play type.
Dramatic Play and Socio-Dramatic Play - In ‘What's that sound, Spot?' by Eric Hill, we each play as part of an orchestra. This fosters self-expression, collaboration and negotiation as children choose which of the instruments they would like to play for the ‘audience'.
Fantasy Play and Imaginative Play – In ‘Dragon Post' by Emma Yarlett, we flap chiffon scarves and feel the wind in our faces as we soar through the sky on fire-breathing dragons! Or in ‘Maybe' by Chris Haughton, we check the coast is clear of any tigers before venturing to the banana tree! This fuels imagination and creativity and encourages problem-solving. It also forms the basis of figurative language.
Role play – In ‘The Little Red Hen' children take on the task of making bread from scratch and acting as bakers, kneading the scented playdough “bread”. Playing roles like this helps children to see different viewpoints and perspectives, and practice life skills.
Communication Play – In ‘The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark' by Jill Tomlinson and Paul Howard, we sing songs around the campfire along to the ukulele. Singing together builds listening skills, vocabulary, and rhythm and rhyme awareness.
Exploratory Play – In ‘The Wide-Mouthed Frog' by Keith Faulkner and Jonathan Lambert, we dig for worms in the mud. Or in ‘The Smeds and The Smoos' by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, we visit a dry planet (sand), a flower planet (real and artificial flowers), and a slimy planet (jelly). This encourages curiosity and sensory discovery. Exploring textures builds early scientific thinking and fine motor control.
Creative Play – In ‘Elmer' by David McKee, we decorate elephants with pens, crayons, dot markers, stickers etc., crafting our own designs. This fosters innovation and self-expression, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and artistic and creative confidence.
Symbolic Play – In ‘Stick Man' by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, children can pretend their stick is a pen as they draw pictures in moon dough. Or in ‘Whatever Next!' by Jill Murphy, we blast off to the moon in a cardboard box. This develops abstract thought and visual representation - key for language and maths.
Object Play – In ‘Little Pea' by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace, children can roll small green balls down a long slope made from cut cardboard tubes, pretending it's a hill. This enhances motor skills, builds coordination and teaches cause-and-effect.
Locomotor Play – In ‘Maybe' by Chris Haughton, we jump and run away from tigers. Or in ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff, we climb over the bridge. This strengthens gross motor skills, coordination, physical confidence and spatial awareness.
Mastery Play – In ‘A Home for Stone' by Corrinne Averiss and Rosalind Beardshaw, children can build a wall and a rockery with different sized and textured blocks. This promotes persistence, competence and resilience.
Social Play – The social and interactive nature of Sense-a-Story IS social play. The structure of every class - the welcome song, the storytelling (whilst introducing each sensory element as the story dictates), the free play, the tidy up, and the goodbye song – builds social bonds, cooperation, friendship, turn-taking and a sense of belonging.
At Sense-a-Story, these play types form the basis of our multisensory storytelling. The list above is by no means exhaustive; however, it may highlight how notable play is in helping children develop holistically – mind, body and spirit. Every muddy dig, every tower built, every scented playdough cupcake is a step towards a child's potential. The real magic happens in the 15 minutes of free play at the end of each session, where children can choose to play with any or all parts of the story. That's when the best ideas emerge, when the meaning-making happens, and when the deepest learning takes place – when it's child-led and unscripted. We explore a new story each week, bringing new activities that weave in the different play types every time. To tap into the full benefits, block-book your classes and watch your child thrive through the power of play – one multisensory tale at a time!
