Using Blocks to Expand Language
Blocks are a simple, familiar toy—but they are incredibly powerful when it comes to supporting early communication. In fact, blocks are often a pillar of early development and a staple in play-based, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy. For many families, child-led speech therapy can sometimes look like “just play.” But what’s happening beneath the surface is intentional, meaningful, and deeply supportive of language growth. When we slow down, follow a child’s lead, and engage through play, we’re meeting them where they are—and building communication from a place of connection rather than compliance.
Start here: lay out a few blocks and get on the floor with your child. Observe to see what the child does and mimic some of the actions. Take a few blocks and stack them build anticipation as the blocks wobble modeling “woaahhhh”. As the blocks fall off model “uh-oh”, “oh-no”. Model words like “more”, “up”, ”top”.
Why Play Supports Language Development
Play is not a break from learning. For young children, play is learning.
Play-based activities like block play support language development by:
Encouraging shared attention and connection
Creating natural opportunities for communication
Supporting motor planning, problem-solving, and early cognitive skills
Reducing pressure to “perform” language
Allowing children to communicate in ways that feel safe and regulated
In child-led, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, play allows children to show us how they already communicate—through actions, sounds, gestures, facial expressions, and emerging words.
How to Use Blocks to Support Language at Home
You don’t need special materials or flashcards to get started. Blocks offer countless opportunities for early language learning.
Start Here: Follow and Imitate
Lay out a few blocks and sit on the floor with your child. Before jumping in, observe:
What does your child do first?
Do they stack, knock down, line up, or carry blocks?
Do they repeat an action?
Begin by mimicking their actions. This shows your child:
“I see you. I’m interested. I want to connect.”
This shared attention is a foundation for communication.
Build Anticipation With Simple Language
Take a few blocks and slowly stack them. As the tower wobbles, model exaggerated, playful language:
“Wooooah…”
“Uh-oh!”
“Oh no!”
When the blocks fall, pause and let your child react. These moments naturally invite:
Joint Attention
Gestures
Sounds
Laughter
Early words
You can also model simple, high-impact words such as:
“Up”
“More”
“Top”
“Boom!”
“Again”
These words are meaningful, easy to repeat, and tied directly to the activity.
Supporting First Words and Language Expansion
As children begin using first words, play becomes a powerful place to expand language without pressure.
Celebrate First Words
If your child says:
“Up”
“More”
“Block”
Pause, smile, and acknowledge it. This reinforcement matters.
Add Just One More Word
Then, gently model an expanded phrase:
Child: “Up”
Adult: “More up!”Child: “Block”
Adult: “Big block!”Child: “Down”
Adult: “Fall down!”
This strategy—often called language expansion—helps children hear what comes next without requiring them to repeat or perform.
Why “Just Play” Is Actually Intentional Therapy
From a clinical perspective, block play allows speech therapists to support:
Joint attention
Turn-taking
Early vocabulary
Language combinations
Regulation and engagement
Parent-child connection
From a family perspective, it builds confidence:
“I can do this at home.”
And that confidence is one of the most powerful tools we can give families.
Speech Therapy Support in Atlanta for Early Language Development
For families seeking supportive, individualized speech therapy in Atlanta, Hart Therapy Services offers a child-led approach that centers play, connection, and real-life communication.
Our services combine:
Comprehensive speech and language evaluations
Child-led, play-based therapy
Parent coaching to support carryover at home
We believe meaningful language growth happens through relationships—and play is often where those relationships shine.
