Speech Therapist-Approved Activities for the NEW toys!
The holidays are over, and the new toys have accumulated around your home. Have you wondered how your child’s speech therapist would use your toys in therapy? While toys may seem like just fun and games, the right ones can be therapeutic, especially for children with speech delays. Let’s dive into some toy recommendations that can both entertain and promote speech development!
How to Use Electronics Effectively
While electronics can’t replace human interaction, they can be used effectively to support learning. Here are a few tips for making the most of electronic toys:
- Use electronics to supplement learning: If you’ve just taught a new concept (like colors), an app that reinforces the same skill can be helpful.
- Turn-taking is key: Share the device with your child. Add language as you interact—”Look, that one says ‘jump!’ What animal jumps?”
- Reward-based learning: Use electronic toys as a reward after completing other activities or tasks.
- Set time limits: Stick to a specific amount of time for screen use to ensure it doesn’t take over your child’s day.
Non-Electronic Toys for Language Development
Non-electronic toys can be equally beneficial, depending on your child’s age and language needs. Here are some of the best options:
- Puzzles, Piggy Banks, and Little People Sets: Great for practicing requesting, identifying locations (on, in, out), and labeling items.
- Interactive Books: These are perfect for targeting vocabulary, two-word phrases, and basic grammar.
- Farm Sets: A fun way to work on animal noises, labeling, simple questions, and following directions.
- Blocks: Ideal for building vocabulary, imitating sounds and actions, and practicing counting.
- Potato Head: Excellent for identifying body parts, using pronouns, and making two-word phrases.
- Play-Doh: Fantastic for imitating sounds, following directions, and expanding vocabulary.
Double-Duty Toys
Many toys can address more than just speech needs. For example, puzzles help develop fine motor skills while encouraging language development. When selecting toys, consider these key questions:
- Can I interact with my child using this toy?
- What speech or language skills can I work on with this toy?
- Will my child enjoy playing with this toy?
The Most Important Thing: Fun!
Ultimately, the best toys are the ones your child enjoys. If a toy isn’t fun, they won’t be motivated to play with it, and language development will stall. When children are engaged and having fun, they’re more likely to use language naturally. Need some ideas on the best way to interact and play with your child and their new toys? Drop a question for us to info@kidscreek.com and we will give you some ideas!
Happy New Year everyone and happy playing!
