We all have them. We all use them. Some may be packed away in the closet and some may be all over your floor! Toys are materials that children learn to explore the world around them. It is through play using various toys and activities that they learn how to communicate and process their thoughts and ideas. There are also many sensory implications to playing with toys. As mentioned, children require visual, verbal, tactile, and kinesthetic learning modalities in order to learn and grow. The use of play materials allows them to absorb new concepts as it offers multiple ways to learn new information. Below are just a few (not limited to) toy suggestions that you might find helpful to build your child’s language skills!
What are not mentioned above are other types of toys and play objects that can be found at any local dollar store (e.g., books, coloring pages, crafts, bubbles, sensory objects, squishy toys, action figures/dolls, etc.). All of these materials support learning and as a result, improve language function. Remember, children need to UNDERSTAND and process language before using words!
Happy Playing!!
-B