ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors provide a brief review of what they know about how children learn to move, communicate, socialise and regulate their emotions through play. A specific play-based approach to supporting children who experience complex development difficulties is described in order to provide educators with guidance to support these children’s learning and communication development. The authors consider the role and aspects of playgrounds that support children’s development along with examples of specific play-based approaches that support communication and social interaction for children who experience complex development difficulties. Cognitive development involves children developing their ability to receive and process information about their external and internal worlds. Playgrounds are important places for children to play without the constant and limiting gaze of well-meaning adults. Play is essential to children’s learning as it stimulates the development of language and mathematical concepts, as well as promoting social and emotional competencies, and enhancing physical skills.
