Unlocking Skills Through Dress Up

When children put on costumes, they’re not just having fun; they’re engaging in role play, which encourages storytelling, turn-taking, perspective taking, and problem-solving.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), I’ve seen how imaginative play can be a powerful tool for building communication and executive functioning skills. One of the most exciting times for this kind of play is around Halloween, when lots of people are playing dress up!

Did you know that dressing up can also have a variety of speech, language, and cognitive benefits?

When children put on costumes, they’re not just having fun; they’re engaging in role play, which encourages storytelling, turn-taking, perspective taking, and problem-solving. Whether they’re pretending to be a superhero saving the day or a chef cooking something special, they’re using new vocabulary, practicing sentence structures, and thinking differently to stay in character.

For children with speech and language delays, dressing up can serve as a low-pressure way to practice communication. Being "in character" can reduce self-consciousness and provide motivation to speak up, ask questions, and interact with others. It also strengthens social communication skills, like understanding others’ perspectives and learning how to navigate conversations in a playful, structured way.

Dressing up isn’t just about wearing a costume—it’s a chance for kids (and adults) to step into a world where their imagination leads the way, while reinforcing key speech and language skills. So next time you see your child in a cape or crown, remember that they’re not just pretending—they’re learning!