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2018 PAL Awards
Play on Words speech and language expert Sherry Artemenko recognizes exceptional toys, games and books that encourage language, spark fun and invite creative play.
all PAL Award winners
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Win a PAL Award for toys, books & games:
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video toy reviews
Video reviews of our PAL Award winners with tips on how to advance language through play • see PAL tips... ►
See more video reviews... ► Sherry, thanks for giving us back our son. We are so grateful for everything you did for Ben and our family. Not seeing you every week makes me feel that something is missing… but we look forward to a summertime walk! We miss you,
Nicole, mother of 2 year-old boy who was dismissed from therapyWestport, CTSherry, thank you so much for working with my girls for so long. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, insight and professionalism made our experience so meaningful. My husband and I appreciate all you have done for them. Let’s keep in touch. Thanks again.
Mother of 3 and 5 year-old girlsGreenwich, CTThank you Sherry! You are a BIG help and Max adores you.
Maria, mother of a 5 year-old boyFairfield, CT
Category Archives: Preschool
“Beautiful Oops!” For the Perfectionist In All Of Us
Driving around in my car with the radio droning on in the background, I perked up when listening to an author’s interview on CBS radio with Barney Saltzberg, who just wrote “Beautiful Oops!” A fascinating topic for anyone who dabbles in … Continue reading
“ABC Animal Jamboree” by Giles Andreae
Celebrate the alphabet with this party of animals from an angelfish to a zebra with lots of fun in between. The bold, snappy illustrations pop off the page as you imagine “the boa constrictor’s a slippery snake who squashes then … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Birth-3 year-olds, Book Review, Books, Preschool, Toddlers
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“The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark” by Diesen
Our friend, the Pout-Pout Fish, is back embarking on a new adventure of courage and friendship. Author, Deborah Diesen’s power packed verse draws us into a delightful glide through the ocean of attentive, buggy-eyed sea creatures as Mr. Fish fulfills … Continue reading
“The Pirate Ship” Super Sized Floor Puzzle by Ravensburger
24 large puzzle pieces link together to reveal a cut-away view of three floors and a deck of pirate activity. Preparing fish in the kitchen, writing in the captain’s log, bathing in a bubble bath, operating the engines, or playing … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Preschool, Toy Reviews
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Halloween Costumes, Books, Fun in Speech Therapy
Well the countdown has begun to many kids’ favorite holiday, Halloween! I blogged about the Halloween Calendar which was great fun to make. I used the little pieces (windows and secret messages for each day) as reinforcers with a child … Continue reading
Back to School Speech Therapy
It’s exciting watching kids assemble their new school supplies, get their backpacks together and compare who is in what class. Some of my friends are teary as they launch their college kids and prepare to drop them off and return … Continue reading
“Little Kids'” Bubbles for Speech Therapy
Most parents think of bubbles as a summer activity–kids chasing down the clear, multi-sized spheres to pop in delight. Certainly they are a great source of outside entertainment, but speech therapists use bubbles all year round and bubbles are one … Continue reading
“Big Bubbles Friend Cow” by Little Kids
Kids and bubbles have always connected, so to speak. Summer fun includes chasing after the undulating spheres before they pop. Want a break from blowing and entertaining? Hand over this “Big Bubbles Friend Cow,” teach your child to tip his … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Preschool, Toddlers, Toy Reviews
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Playmobil Coast Guard Boat
Every kid loves to play law enforcer so let’s set sail with the Coast Guard. This limited edition boat commands attention as it guards the seas. Kids loved to let down the anchor and hook from their cable winches to … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Preschool, Toy Reviews
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Best “Toy Story 3” Toys for Creative Play, Speech Therapy
Wow, Toy Story 3 has only been out a few weeks and I am seeing products everywhere. I even went to the grocery store and saw Toy Story cookies and cakes. How do parents sift through all the offerings and … Continue reading