Toy Ideas For Communication Skills
- Sage Bell
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
As a speech therapist and mother I know firsthand that toys can either create a fun learning environment, or add to the chaos. Through the years I have found a few favorites, so I thought I would compile a list to help other parents who are looking for toys to target their children's communication goals.
Just as a reminder: there are no affiliate links or promotions in this list. These are all toys that I have loved and used in practice and I am NOT getting paid for these recommendations). So with that in mind: Which toys should you think about adding to the shelf? Let's check it out!
Toys Ideas for communication skills: Language Practice
When we think about the best toys for toddler language, we want to explore open ended options. Toys that can be used in a variety of ways to target different language goals, such as: action words, nouns, and social words. Here are a few of my favorite as a speech therapist AND mother.
The Melissa and Doug Train set is wonderful. It is well made, the train cars are different colors, and the set comes with other props to encourage imaginative play.
Don't miss out on language opportunities at bathtime. Turn off the lights, add these toys to the tub, and have a language dance party bath time. Adding something as small as these toys to an ordinary daily bath can create excitement and encourage communication.
This is likely not a surprise, but building blocks build language. From simple language such as "more" and "up" to complex sentences about cities and play, these can grow with your child.
I first discovered the magic of a puppet during clinicals of my master's degree. For children who are apprehensive about talking with adults (or in general) a puppet can sometimes break this barrier. Talk for the puppet. Have the puppet do silly things, and see what sparks communication.
Toy food is an incredible way to build language. Pretend shopping activities, discussing the characteristics of the food, and having a puppet or stuffed animal eat the food allows your child to practice functional language. (Does your child love pizza? Who doesn't? This Adorable Pizza has also been a favorite over the years)
Toys for Speech Practice
When looking for toys to practice speech, we want to think about toys that are repetitive. We can use a speech sound list and each word gets to take a turn. Here are some great options.
These phones allow your child to hear their sounds. Pretend to have a phone conversation together and talk on the phones. (Remember the fun restaurant where you picked up the phone and called in your order? Pair the phones with our Speech Menus for an elevated at home activity/)
This is a repetitive jump scare game that school age children LOVE! Pull out a word list, flash cards, or one of our fun resources and take a turn after each sound practice. if you want a different theme, this bunny game, is the same idea but adorable for spring.
Like we mentioned above, speech sound practice is all about repetition. This fishing game is fun and interactive, it makes sound practice easy as children are excited to take another turn.
This was one of my favorite reward games in clinic, the hospital, and the schools. Load the hand with whip cream and say as many words as the spinner says. It is amazing how a little treat can motivate practice.
Toys for Social Skill Practice
This adorable pineapple sets the conversation for feelings and emotions. As you change the pineapple's face you can practice socioemotional language and regulation strategies.
Continue to discuss feelings with this mirror toy. There are cards that they can use as a model, or you can model an emotion.
Does your older school age child have difficulty having conversations with peers? Practice it at home! This dice is a fun way to practice turn taking, asking and answering questions, and social language (such as commenting, greetings, etc.)
I know we have already talked about toy food-- but this just shows how versatile this toy can be. Use toy food to practice ordering at a restaurant or conversation topics they could have with their friends at lunch. Role playing these scenarios can help your child feel empowered when it is time to communicate.
Conclusion
Setting up your toy room or closet with certain toys can help you facilitate better communication practice at home with your child. These toy ideas can help encourage communication skills. Remember, you as the parent are capable of reinforcing the strategies and skills they are learning, and we are here to help.
Do you have any other communication toy favorites? Comment below!
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