Beyond the use of dolls and stacking blocks, inclusive play should be introduced for all abilities. Here is a strategy for Trainers and Teachers

This article is aimed at assisting teacher’s and trainers to understand the importance of inclusive play, strategies to implore and resources to use that can facilitate learning. Inclusivity is more than just a word as it’s a means of creating unforgettable experiences in the minds of children, and in these experiences, those with Learning Disorders (LD) are not left out as the approach towards their learning would also be considered.

A. Advantages of Inclusive Play include:

1. Social and Emotional Development: This helps bring about an understanding and sense of friendship and empathy between children with and without learning disorder.
2. Enhancing Self-Esteem: The activities carried out aid in building their self-confidence, giving them a sense of belonging amongst their peers.
3. Improved Communication: It provides a medium for children to develop communication skills

B. Having Gross knowledge about Learning Disabilities:

Some types of learning disorder, such as dyslexia and ADHD, could affect how the child learns, assimilates information, and also interacts with their environment. So, understanding the challenge of a particular child with learning disorder, could help teachers in choosing toys and activities that would suit their learning process.

C. Strategies for Selecting Inclusive Play Materials:

1. Focus on Open-Ended Play: Choose toys and activities that vary and could help children with diverse abilities learn.
2. Evaluate Sensory demands: Some sets of Children with Learning Disability may have sensory disorders, so there is a need to provide materials to help them regulate their sensory input and engage more actively in play.
3. Promoting Oneness and Communication between the Children: Bring about activities that can promote team spirit and communication, helping Children with learning disorder relate with their peers and build on social skills.
4. Adopt Supportive Technology: The use of sound-activated toys and screen readers for children with visual impairments can be introduced.

D. Forming an Inclusive Environment.

Inclusive play requires selecting appropriate toys, but it goes much beyond that.. There is a need for an engaging environment, and here is a guideline for creating one:

1. Bringing about Clear Rules and Routines: Creating schedules and pictures stating their daily routines can aid children with Learning Disabilities with difficulties in auditory processing.
2. Positive Establishment: Bring about patterns that can help build confidence and encourage children with learning disorder to get involved in activities and put in effort.
3. Don’t Be Rigid: Be able to make adjustments to the rules and activities to accommodate all the children.

E. Quality Resources for Teachers and Trainers:

Resources that could instil knowledge in teachers and trainers to aid them create inclusive play experiences include:

1. https://www.naeyc.org/](https:// The National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
2. https://www.ncld.org/](https://www.ncld.org/) National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
3. https://ceinternational1892.org/](https://ceinternational1892.org/) The Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI).
4. Conclusion:  Structuring a Playground available to All.

 Inclusive Play-Based Learning creates a platform for children of all abilities to blend and build not only cognitive skills but also social, emotional, and physical skills that could help them adapt to the environment. Teachers and trainers are responsible for imbibing knowledge into future educators, which could help them create classrooms that embrace diversity and celebrate the distinct strengths of every child with well-defined strategies.

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Mrs. Omotola Lawson is a seasoned Toy Distribution Entrepreneur and government-certified Instructor with a proven track record. She excels in attracting and securing international investors for Nigeria and designing and delivering comprehensive ‘Train the Trainers’ programs for child-focused organizations in both the private and public sectors. Notably, 15 years ago, she founded the first dedicated toy outlet in Lagos, a pioneering venture that has made a significant impact in the industry.