Parents of children with communication difficulties can help increase their child’s communication ability through toys and play. Parents can be instrumental in helping their children grow their vocabulary, put sentences together and learn the art of conversation. This blog will be the first in my series of Toy Talk, ways to play with your child and increase their communication skills. Some people talk to much and some people talk too little when communication with their children. These Toy Talks will help with the words to say. Remember with younger children-short sentences that will increase as your child grows. Short pauses between sentences gives your child a chance to process what you have said and gives her the opportunity to formulate a response.

From 18-24 months children are beginning to enjoy imaginative play. They pretend to make you a “tea” or “coffee” adding the “milk” and “sugar”. A tea set is also a great toy for two children to enjoy together.

Hi Dylan, Jessie and I were just going to make some tea. Would you like some? Here is a cup for you- you can have the blue cup and Jessie has the red. Let’s try and find the plate that matches. Here it is- here’s the blue plate and Jessie here is the red plate. Jessie, can you pour some tea? Mmmm, it’s so good- I need some milk-Dylan can you pour some milk in my cup? Oh, thank you. This is delicious. Should we get some crackers to go with our tea?

You can continue playing with them or once you have modeled this type of play you can leave them for a while to play together.

Many children love to play with fire trucks. A fun trip would be to visit your local fire station. With a toy fire truck your child can pretend to be a firefighter.

Ding-ding-ding, I hear the fire bell. There must be a fire- let’s get our fire truck and see if we can help! Let’s drive to the building. Do you see the flames coming from the building. We have to get the ladder and the hose. Climb up the ladder and see if you can rescue the kitty. Wow, you did it. Now we have to put out the fire with water. Yea! The fire is out- you saved the day!

Again you are not requiring your child to answer questions. Instead you are modeling play and giving the words, the vocabulary, that goes with that specific toys and play scheme. You will be amazed as you walk away or on another day hearing your child using the same words and play ideas you modeled.

Play and have fun,

Lois