Best Holiday Gifts to Support Language Development
Virginia D. Woronoff Bilingual M.S., CCC-SLP at Communicate with Kate Speech Therapy
Any busy elves needing some last minute gift ideas? Don’t worry! We got you.
The Communicate with Kate therapists love the play based therapy model for one main reason. When you are having fun, you are paying attention; if you are paying attention, you are learning. Here is our list of simple gift ideas that will support your child’s language development through play.
This toy is great for supporting younger children as they develop those foundational language skills through vocal play. It also supports conversational turn taking and increases their motivation to vocalize.
Tents are always a hit for older children as they can support gross motor skills and language at the same time! They are fun to use as obstacle courses while practicing following directions and using prepositions (in/out/on/through/ect).
Experiences
If your child already has a lot of fun toys, new experiences are wonderful and motivating opportunities for language and new vocabulary. Try making an “experiences booklet” for them. They can pick one to do together every month (i.e. a trip to the: zoo, the children’s museum, gymnastics day pass, library, horse riding lesson, ect).
Disposable or polaroid Camera
Cameras are one of our favorites because they encourages creativity as well as language. Photos can be used in sequencing, writing, and storytelling/scrapbook activities.
Cardboard boxes
Never underestimate the hours of fun to be had with the boxes the toys came in. They can be used for painting, building projects, and intense rounds of hide and seek. The best part about cardboard boxes is that they can be used and enjoyed by children of all ages.
Happy Holidays from the Communicate with Kate Christmas elves!
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development please reach out to your local speech and language pathologist for a full evaluation.