The Best Toys for SLPs Are the Toys That Do Nothing

Pediatric speech-language pathologists often get asked about toy recommendations for young children. It makes sense because we often use toys in sessions to keep children engaged in learning. So, which toys should we recommend to parents? A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) compared traditional toys to electronic toys. The report concludes—not surprisingly—that traditional toys result in better child-caregiver interactions. These interactions provide multiple communication-learning opportunities. So how can we help parents look beyond advertising  that promises toys will teach children ABCs, numbers, shapes, and other seemingly important preschool skills? Inexpensive, readily available objects can turn treatment into a flood of sensory experiences for the youngest of clients. Wow: The Big Difference a Tiny Toy Can Make Tackle foundational communication skills—not just language skills—by infusing fun and silliness into sessions. The influence of electronic toys on a child’s development gets a lot of attention, but let’s focus specifically on toys helpful to little ones learning to talk. Notice, I wrote “helpful” and not “toys teaching little ones to talk.” In fact, toys cannot teach children communication. They are simply tools SLPs use to engage children in an activity so we can teach children communication. Toys as tools, not teachers A child who can imitate sounds and words might imitate sounds and words a toy makes, but does th...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Private Practice Schools Slider Speech-Language Pathology Early Intervention Language Disorders Speech Disorders stuttering Source Type: blogs