Building Early Learning Skills Through Play at Home

Play is not just a way for children to have fun—it’s how they learn. Activities that involve hands-on exploration, such as building blocks or puzzles, help children strengthen foundational skills in language, motor coordination, and problem-solving. In Phnom Penh, more parents are using home-based learning to support their child’s development, especially for young learners and those with developmental delays.

Structured play sessions are especially powerful during early childhood, as this is a time when the brain is rapidly forming connections. The key is to offer open-ended toys and to sit alongside your child, asking questions, giving encouragement, and modeling new words.

Why Structured Play Matters
Playing with intention builds more than just towers—it supports:

• Fine motor skills (grasping, pinching, stacking)

• Spatial awareness and planning

• Early math concepts like size, shape, and patterns

• Turn-taking and communication

• Confidence and independence

When a parent engages with a child during play, the interaction boosts social-emotional skills and deepens attachment. It’s a perfect opportunity to teach routines, practice speech sounds, and build vocabulary naturally.

Tips for Encouraging Play-Based Learning

• Choose toys that spark imagination and problem-solving, like blocks, textured toys, or sorting games

• Create a predictable routine for play—children thrive with structure

• Let your child take the lead, then join in by narrating or expanding on their play

• Praise effort and creativity instead of focusing on correctness

• Keep the environment distraction-free to maintain focus

For children with speech or developmental delays, these moments of play also serve as windows into how they perceive and interact with their environment.

When to Seek Additional Support
If your child avoids play, has difficulty engaging with toys, or struggles with communication during these moments, it might be helpful to consult a specialist. Early signs of speech delay, sensory challenges, or attention difficulties often surface during playtime.

Call to Action: Support Your Child’s Growth with OrbRom Center
At OrbRom Center, our Phnom Penh-based team offers targeted programs that blend play-based therapy with professional guidance. Whether it’s through speech therapy, occupational therapy, or early intervention, we’re here to support your child’s learning journey through play. Contact us to learn how we can help turn everyday moments into meaningful progress.