Merin Jose
Paediatric Speech Language Pathologist
Useful insights & the best of therapy tools
Toys: Top Picks!
Supporting kids with their speech development can be an exciting and nerve-wracking process. I have collated a list of toys, in which (most) can be used for a multitude of functions and promote different levels of language development. From motor development to categorical concepts, this list has got you covered.
BLOCKS
Blocks come in all shapes and sizes. If you are handy, you can even make your own with things lying at home.
Why?
Blocks spark creativity and imagination. Children can play with it in whatever manner they want! You can tie in almost any speech or language goal while playing with blocks such as following directions, turn-taking, teaching colors, sizes and numbers.
MAGNETIC TOYS
These toys are super fun and among my personal FAVORITES and I hope all of you really consider them. It expands your child’s imagination while building their own empires.
Why?
Constructing these toys improves your child’s creativity, problem-solving skills, social skills, vocabulary, and following directions.
MOVEMENT BASED TOYS
These are toys that get children up and moving.
Why?
Children learn best when motor skills are paired with language learning. It makes teaching language so much more fun and meaningful. You can work on the child’s gross and fine motor skills at the same time as teaching them to follow commands and imitate actions.
DIGGING TOYS
These are toys to dig, scoop and build in the sand, dirt, water, or even cooked pasta! These simple toys are popular among all age groups.
Why?
Playing in the sand or dirt or wherever is a great sensory activity for motor and language development. You can work on different verbs, following commands and adjectives with your child. Children LOVE it!
VEHICLES
These aren't just for boys. It's for everyone!
Why?
These can be movement based games and you can weave in almost any speech or language goal into play. You can work on following directions, expressive skills, counting, articulation, and improving vocabulary.
FOOD TOY SET
This includes all plastic, wooden and real food.
Why?
Children love playing with food. It is great for learning through the senses, concepts like categories, sequencing, pretend play, verbs and improving vocabulary can be worked on.
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BUBBLES
This one’s my personal Favourite!
Why?
Bubbles are next to magic for children. They are the cheapest and the most effective toys out there. They grab the child's attention in seconds! You can practice blowing, turn-taking, sounds, word phrases and descriptive skills. The list is endless!
ANIMALS
These include puzzles, 3D toys, flap books and more!
Why?
The vibrant colours of different animals, and their unique sounds will attract every toddler. You can work on sounds, categories and colours.
SENSORY TOYS
They’re amazing because you can let your toddler bite, squeeze, and man-handle them without worrying that it’ll break or pop open.
Why?
They’re great for sensory stimulation and help with motor skill development. Can also be used for turn taking, counting and teaching colours.
DOLLS
Here’s a huggable, loveable toy for every toddler!
Why?
They’re the perfect gateway to encourage pretend play and work on sounds, verbs, following directions, social skills and so on.