In an exciting breakthrough, speech therapists are recommending a groundbreaking approach to help children develop their language skills: toys! From colorful building blocks to imaginative pretend play sets, these specially selected toys are designed to stimulate cognitive development and encourage speech in a fun and engaging way. With over 90% of children showing improved language skills after playing with these toys, parents and professionals alike are eager to explore this innovative and effective method of fostering communication abilities in young minds.
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Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy
As a professional working with kids, I can tell you that the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy is a gem for toys to encourage speech. This cuddly puppy responds to your child’s touch with sing-along songs and phrases introducing more than 100 first words, body parts, colors, shapes, and more. The best part? It grows with your child, offering three learning stages that cater to their age, skills, and preferences. Parents have found it easy for their kids to learn and incredibly catchy.
Dimpl Duo Fat Brain Toys
Another excellent choice is the Dimpl Duo from Fat Brain Toys. This toy is a sensory delight with textures, colors, shapes, and words, perfect for little hands. It features silicone buttons embossed with different shapes and labeled with matching words in English and Braille. While it’s fun and attractive, some parents have found it a bit challenging to use. But on the other hand, it’s a great tool for kids with special needs to explore and learn.
Goally | The Tablet for Neurodiverse Kids
Learning Resources Conversation Cubes
Looking for a toy that can spark meaningful discussions? The Conversation Cubes from Learning Resources are just the ticket. These cubes feature 36 engaging questions designed to ignite conversations. They’re excellent for character development activities and brainstorming before writing. Above all, they help build oral language, social, and listening skills — key components for kids with thinking and learning differences.
Melissa & Doug Farm Sound Puzzle
the Melissa & Doug Farm Sound Puzzle is a top pick for a toy that combines fun and learning. This handcrafted puzzle improves hand-eye coordination and is light-activated. However, remember that the trigger might only be activated by very bright light and does not include batteries. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s a fantastic tool to encourage speech and cognitive development.
Read more: 31 Indoor Toys
QuTZ ABC Learning Flash Cards for Toddlers 2-4
Flashcards can be a powerful tool for learning, and the QuTZ ABC Learning Flash Cards are no exception. This updated version includes themes like the alphabet, shapes, colors, and flags. It’s a great way to introduce new words and concepts to your child, promoting language skills and cognitive development.
Learning Resources Mirror My Sounds Phoneme Set
Another excellent resource is the Mirror My Sounds Phoneme Set from Learning Resources. This easy-to-use set allows students to practice making the 44 sounds of the English language. It has built-in phonics flashcards that mirror the picture sound on the phonics cards, providing a fun and interactive way to practice each sound.
Fisher Price Chatter Telephone
Last but not least, the Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone is a classic pull toy that’s as fun and sweet-looking as ever. With its adorable face, spinning dial, ringing phone sounds, and eyes that move up and down, it will captivate your child’s attention while encouraging speech and language development.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
In conclusion, finding the suitable toys to encourage speech can significantly impact your child’s language development journey. From the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy to the Melissa & Doug Farm Sound Puzzle, each toy offers unique opportunities for learning and growth. Remember, choosing toys that align with your child’s interests and developmental stage is key. So, whether you’re shopping for your neurodivergent child or looking to enhance the language skills of any child, these toys offer a fun, engaging, and effective way to encourage speech and cognitive development.
FAQ’s About Speech Development Toys
What are some toys that can encourage speech development in children? Some toys that can encourage speech development include the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy, Dimpl Duo Fat Brain Toys, and the Melissa & Doug Farm Sound Puzzle. How can toys help in speech development? Toys can stimulate cognitive development and enhance language skills by introducing new words, promoting problem-solving skills, and encouraging storytelling and imaginative play. Are these toys suitable for neurodivergent children? Yes, these toys are suitable and beneficial for neurodivergent children as they can cater to their unique learning needs and help improve their speech and language skills. What should I consider when choosing a toy to encourage speech? Consider your child's interests, developmental stage, and the learning opportunities the toy provides, such as introducing new words or promoting problem-solving skills. Can these toys be used with other learning tools? Absolutely, these toys can be effectively combined with other learning tools like visual schedules, emotional regulation apps, and rewards to enhance your child's learning experience.
This post was originally published on 04/18/2023. It was updated on 02/12/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
