safe_imageI really enjoyed being a guest on Laura Mize’s Podcast today for “Teachmetotalk” on the topic of “Great Toys From Play On Words.” She is a pediatric speech pathologist who hosts a weekly show highlighting information for parents of children with special needs as well as speech therapists working with the birth-three population. Laura invited me to talk about the value of using toys in sessions with children and at home with parents as well as my recommendations for best toys, games and books for that age range.

Here are the products that I mentioned on today’s show, many of which are PAL Award winners,  with tips on how to use them for language learning. If you have any further questions, feel free to email me:

Age 1 and up:

  • Rubbabu’s “3 D Shape Sorter”
  • Bubbles, especially bottles with the wand attached so you can operate it with one hand such as “Bear Bubbles.”
  • Thinkfun’s toddler games are designed for 18 months and up and can be adapted for younger ages: “Roll ‘n Play”
  • Thinkfun’s “Hello Sunshine”
  • Balls and slides
  • Popper ball machines
  • Hape’s “Mighty Mini Band”
  • Little Tikes “Discover Sounds Tool Box”
  • “Laugh and Learn Learning Piggy Bank” by Fisher Price

Age 2 and up:

  •  Lauri puzzles
  • Ravensburger puzzles-My First Puzzles, Garden animals 2 -piece
  • Playdoh, tubs, oven, cookie cutters
  • Fisher Price little people, vehicles, car wash and gas station.
  • Alex toys ‘ “My 3D Zoo puzzles”
  • Lego duplo sets: grocery store, horse stable, zoo animals
  • Playmobil 123 sets, designed for toddlers, pieces are chunky

3-4  year-olds love games. Here are some wonderful companies who specialize in preschool games and have lots of language learning embedded in them: