Toys and Activities We Love to Promote Language & Play
Play is the foundation of learning for children. It helps them build essential communication, social, and motor skills. As a speech-language pathologist, I often use simple, engaging toys and activities to foster both language development and play skills. Here are some of my favorite toys and how they can promote growth in these areas.
1. Theraputty
Theraputty is a versatile tool that strengthens hand muscles and supports sensory exploration. It’s also a fantastic way to build language!
How it promotes language:
Requesting: Model asking for the putty or specific tools (e.g., “I want blue”).
Describing: Talk about how it feels (e.g., “It’s squishy and stretchy!”).
Action words: Model verbs like open, squish, roll, cut, stretch, and more!
2. Balance Board
A balance board is not only fun for physical activity but also offers opportunities for social interaction and language development.
How it promotes language:
Spatial concepts: Talk about movements (e.g., “Go side to side” or “Tip forward”).
Problem-solving: Encourage your child to describe strategies for staying balanced (e.g., “I’m keeping my arms out”).
3. Bubbles
Bubbles are a classic favorite and a powerful tool for language and play development.
How it promotes language:
Requesting and commenting: Model phrases like “Blow bubbles,” “More bubbles,” or “Pop the bubbles!”
Action words: Use verbs like blow, pop, catch, or float.
Joint attention: Share excitement by pointing and talking about where the bubbles go (e.g., “The bubble went up!”).
4. Farm Animal Toy
Farm sets are perfect for imaginative play and building vocabulary.
Animal sounds: Practice making animal noises (e.g., “The cow says moo!”).
Role-playing: Create stories with the animals (e.g., “The sheep is eating grass” or “The pig is in the mud”).
5. Car Ramp
Car ramps are excellent for teaching cause-and-effect and action words.
Predicting and commenting: Use phrases like “Ready, set, go!” and “The car is fast!”
Sequencing: Talk about what happens first, next, and last.
Comparing: Use descriptive language to compare the cars (e.g., “This one is slower” or “The red car went farther”).
6. Pop-Up Pirate
This interactive game combines fine motor skills with language opportunities.
How it promotes language:
Anticipation: Build excitement with phrases like “Will the pirate pop?” or “Let’s see what happens!”
Describing: Use words to describe the game (e.g., “The pirate jumped out!” or “That was a surprise!”).
7. Stacking Blocks
Stacking blocks encourages problem-solving and fine motor coordination while fostering creativity.
How it promotes language:
Counting and colors: Count blocks together or talk about their colors (e.g., “Let’s stack three blue blocks!”).
Problem-solving: Use phrases like “What happens if we add one more?” or “Oh no, it fell down!”
Making the Most of Play
The key to promoting language and play is engaging with your child. Follow their lead, model language, and celebrate their efforts. Every playful moment is an opportunity for learning, connection, and fun!
