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People live in an age where technology is king, especially for young children. Gadgets available today allow parents to keep tabs on their toddlers 24/7 without even having to leave their homes or go anywhere near them (as long as there is stable internet connectivity).
A few years ago, this would have been unheard of but nowadays. Many individuals are spoiled for choice when picking out gadgets for their little ones. As such, there are many different types of toys available today.
This article deals with how particular toys can help your toddler’s speech and language development. Also, you will find tips and tricks that you can use to make sure that your child’s speech therapy toys help them develop the skills needed to be a successful preschooler rather than hinder them.
Prefer tactile toys
Tactile toys can help with speech delays in toddlers. They also help with language development, social development and motor skills. For example, a toy that encourages your child to touch objects (like a wooden puzzle) or play with different textures (like sandpaper) will enable them to practice their fine motor skills while playing.
Bright colours and strong patterns
You might think that bright colours and strong patterns would distract your toddler, but that’s the opposite. Bright colours and strong patterns are suitable for speech development because they help them focus on what they’re doing.
The same goes for children with attention issues—bright lights can cause them to feel overwhelmed by their surroundings, so a simple change like adding some dark art on the wall can make all the difference in helping them learn how to stay focused on what’s happening around them.
Vividly coloured speech therapy toys are also great tools for teaching toddlers how language works through action figures (like cars or trains) and dolls that talk back to each other in funny voices!
Word cards with pictures on them
Use a variety of words. The more different words you use, the better your child will be able to read them. If a term is used repeatedly, it will become familiar and more accessible for him to recognise when the child sees it in another context.
Shape sorters or balls with moving parts
Shape sorters are a great way to teach your child about shapes and colours. They can also be used to help with number recognition.
These toys consist of different shapes that move around the table when you turn the crank on them, which makes it easier for toddlers to recognise what each shape looks like (and remember it). If you don’t have a shape sorter, try putting balls with moving parts in different places around your house instead—they’ll still be able to learn their ABCs!
Small objects that make clinking sounds
Clinking sounds are a pleasant way to help with speech delays. The sound of metal ringing together is soothing and can be used for language development and motor skills.
Rhythms that match your child’s interests or moods at the time (for example: if you’re making a new friend, ask about their favourite songs—be sure to use intonation patterns that show excitement).
Emotion cues such as sadness, happiness or anger can help keep toddlers focused on what you’re saying rather than wandering off into thought land!
Wrapping up
Speech toys are essential for speech therapy for children with special needs. They allow them to improve fine and gross motor skills, language development and social skills.
