A Speech Therapist’s Toy Recommendations to Get Your Toddler Talking
We know that children learn best through play, and play is also one of the best ways for children to learn to talk. As a speech therapist, I know that using a play-based approach makes all the difference in a child’s speech and language development. But with so many toys and games and gadgets out there- how do we know what to choose to help our children learn to talk?
Over the years, so many have reached out to ask what they should buy their child to help them learn to talk. While every child is different, there are a few factors to consider when choosing toys and games. As a private speech therapist working with children ages 1-18 and beyond, I have come across some truly amazing toys that inspire learning and language development. From my perspective as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, the best toys for language learning are simple (minimal lights/sounds), open-ended (can be used for a lot of different play activities), and engaging (incorporate sensory input, active play, etc.).
My speech therapy toy staples are: bubbles, blocks, cars, and dolls/figurines. Each of these toys can be used in so many different play schemes which will hold your child’s interest more than the fad, trendy toy of the week.
If you already have these staples, you may be wondering what other toys to try with your child. I have put together a list of my favorite games and toys that have yielded so much language development during my speech therapy sessions!
If you are a parent, caregiver, or teacher, this list will help you view toys and games through a speech therapist’s eyes which will help you make great choices for your playroom!
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A Pediatric Speech Therapist’s Favorite Toys and Games:
Where’s Squeaky?
This adorable hide and seek game is so much fun and a great way to teach so many communication skills. Squeaky is a mouse that will play an interactive hide and seek game with your family or students. One person hides squeaky, and the rest get to look for him! Every few seconds, Squeaky will call out and give clues about where he is hiding.
We use Where’s Squeaky to work on prepositions (he’s ON the table, he’s UNDER the pillow), following directions, turn-taking, and asking questions (where are you?).
Jumping Jack
This game is tried and true. It has been a huge hit in speech therapy since I bought it 5 years ago! Kids love to pull the carrots out and guess when Jack will jump! This is a great game to work on turn-taking, directing actions, requesting, and commenting.
Parachute
This is one that is both fun for kids and nostalgic for adults. In speech therapy, we use parachutes for so many language targets. It is also a great way to incorporate active play and movement which is so beneficial for communication. We sing songs, talk about prepositions (on parachute, under parachute) and bounce stuffed animals, pom poms, and more. This one elicits so much language which is great if your child is learning to talk.
Climbing Blocks
Climbing is a great way for kids to gain sensory input and incorporate movement into play. Toddlers and young children love to play with these blocks in speech therapy. We stack them, build bridges, use them as ramps, and knock them down. Using these blocks, your child will be inspired to talk about what they’re doing, ask for help, and comment on their creations!
Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game
This board game works on lots of important speech and language skills. We can talk about what each person needs, match pictures, and build vocabulary. I love to use this game in speech therapy to work on the word “help.”
Peek a Boo Farm
We love using this game in speech therapy to practice saying “open” and guessing who is inside each farm. Your child will love finding the animals and talking about all of the different colors.
Sensory Stepping Stones
If you child is a sensory seeker, this is a great way for them to practice balance and get the input they’re looking for! In speech therapy, we love to make different paths and use these stepping stones in so many different pretend play games (The Floor Is Lava, Anyone?)
Feed The Woozle
This game is great for teaching children with language delays to express their likes and dislikes! The goal of the game is to feed the monster, but he eats lots of silly food! In speech therapy, we use this game to decide whether a food is “yucky” or “yummy” and kids get a kick out of feeding the monster on a spoon. It is also a great way to work on motor skills and hand eye coordination.
Play and Learn Cube
This cube is so much fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond. In speech therapy, we use this cube to practice taking turns, labeling colors (what color did you get?!) and following directions. The cube comes with activity cards that have different actions that your child will be encouraged to try. For example, some cards have animal sounds to imitate and others have body movements (touch your nose!). It’s a great way to build vocabulary using a play-based approach. I love this game for late talkers because it teaches imitation skills which are the foundation of communication!
Monkey Around
This is another great game for building imitation and motor skills. Not only does it help late talkers, but it is a great way for building collaborative play in preschoolers as everyone learns to talk!
