A child’s speech development is one of the most important milestones of the early years. Although every child starts talking at their own pace, a parent can do a great deal to support that development through everyday conversation and play.
The right toys can help a child:
- learn new words
- understand the link between objects and words
- develop listening and communication skills
In this article we look at which toys best support a child’s speech development, and at what age to use them.
Why does play help speech development?
Children learn to talk mainly through listening, imitation and play.
Toys that invite a child to communicate, to name objects or to make up simple stories give plenty of opportunities to build vocabulary.
The toys that support speech development best are the ones that:
- encourage conversation between child and parent
- help connect words with objects and actions
- create opportunities for role play
Books and picture cards
Books are among the very best tools for building a child’s vocabulary.
Particularly good choices are:
- picture books
- books about animals and vehicles
- board books with thick pages
- first word books
Looking through books together lets you:
- name objects and animals
- describe the pictures
- ask your child simple questions
This helps a child learn new words in a natural, playful setting.
Animal and vehicle toys
Figurines and small toys help a child learn new words and imitate sounds.
For example: animal figures, farm sets, cars and other vehicles.
While playing, a parent can ask things like:
- „What animal is this?“
- „How does a dog bark?“
- „Where is the car going?“
Play like this develops both vocabulary and imagination.
Sorting and puzzle games
Puzzles and sorting games help tie actions and words together.
For example shape sorters, animal puzzles, puzzle cards and vehicle puzzles.
While playing you can talk with your child about:
- colours
- shapes
- the names of animals
This helps a child pick up new concepts and strengthens their language thinking.
Role play toys
Role play is especially important for a child’s speech development, because it encourages them to communicate and to build simple stories.
Good role play toys include:
- play kitchens
- doctor sets
- dolls and doll accessories
- tool sets
In role play children often use new words and practise communicating.
Musical toys
Music and rhythm help a child learn sounds and words.
Good options are, for example:
- singing toys
- xylophones
- rhythm instruments
- song books
- various musical instruments
Singing and rhythm help a child remember new words more easily and develop their pronunciation.
How to develop your child’s speech through play
Besides the toys themselves, how the parent plays with the child matters just as much.
A few simple suggestions:
Talk to your child while you play Describe what you are doing and what your child can see.
Ask questions For example „What colour is this?“ or „Who is in this picture?“
Give your child time to answer This encourages them to use words themselves.
Repeat new words Repetition helps a child take in vocabulary more firmly.
Summary
Toys can be a great help in developing a child’s speech, especially when they go together with active conversation. Books, figurines, puzzles and role play toys all offer plenty of chances to learn new words and build communication skills.
Most important of all, though, is that play is fun for the child and gives them room to explore, experiment and communicate.
