Cognitive Skills

Cognitive skills are the building blocks of how children think, learn, and make sense of the world around them. These include attention, memory, problem-solving, understanding cause and effect, and using imagination — all of which form the foundation for learning, communication, and independence.

At Play & Grow Therapy, we support children’s cognitive development through Play Therapy, Early Skills Support, and our Foundations for Learning (School Readiness) sessions. Each approach is designed to nurture curiosity, focus, and flexible thinking in a way that feels playful, achievable, and meaningful to each child’s stage of development.

Play Therapy encourages children to explore, experiment, and make discoveries through self-directed play. As children make choices and solve problems in play, they naturally develop skills such as planning, sequencing, and creative thinking. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe base for trying new ideas and learning from experiences — all key parts of cognitive growth.

Early Skills Support offers structured, goal-based sessions that focus on developing attention, working memory, and early reasoning skills. Activities might include puzzles, matching games, cause-and-effect play, and interactive storytelling. These sessions build the cognitive foundations that help children engage more confidently in everyday tasks and learning experiences.

Foundations for Learning (School Readiness) extends cognitive development into early academic and thinking skills. Through play-based routines and intentional teaching, children practise skills like following multi-step directions, sorting and categorising, recognising patterns, and sustaining attention in small group settings. These experiences prepare children for the thinking and problem-solving demands of school life.

Together, these approaches help children develop confidence in their thinking, curiosity in their learning, and persistence when faced with new challenges — setting the stage for lifelong learning and growth.