Speech Pathologist Recommended Toys to Promote Language Development
Great for targeting functional vocabulary (up, down, on, go, again, more, etc.) and using verbal routines (e.g., ready, set, go!). This is a big hit with the little ones!
I enjoy using the ball popper to elicit requests (more, again, my turn, etc.). I make sure to control the popper to encourage requests and the child can run to get the ball. This has shown to be highly motivating and great for kids who enjoy gross motor movement.
Using farm animals is wonderful for targeting symbolic play sounds (animal sounds, “wow”, “wee,”, “yum,” “uh-oh,” “slurp,” etc.) and imitation of actions with objects (making animals jump, eat, slide or putting the farmer on the horse). This imitation is important, as it is a pre-verbal skill!
Bubbles are always a go-to, because who doesn’t love bubbles? This is great to target requests (more bubbles, bubbles, open, etc.) and simple words (e.g., pop, bubble, eww, tap, wow, big,etc.). There are endless goals you can work on using bubbles!
Bubbles I like using the tissue box with the 1-2 year olds. This is fun to model functional words (pull, in, out, up, down, again) and play peek-a-boo with. During peek-a-boo, you can model “boo.” See if your child will fill in the word (e.g., peek-a- …boo!).
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Marina Coakley, M.S., CCC-SLP
Affinity Therapy | Speech Language Pathology Services
Marina Coakley, M.S., CCC-SLP
Marina is a licensed speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP) serving families across Tennessee & Kentucky. She specializes in parent-centered early intervention, AAC, aphasia, and apraxia therapy.
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