As a Speech and Language Therapist, I have a LOT of children’s toys, but there’s always new ones that I wish I could add to my collection! Here’s what’s on MY speech therapy wish list this year, and why!
Wind up toys
You know the ones children can’t quite wind up themselves and they need you to wind up for them? This time of year there are all sorts of sets, like mince pies, Santa, and reindeer! I use these for what I call “people games”, as your little one asks for help or more, and this creates wonderful interaction moments.
Playdoh
I used to follow a mum on Instagram who made Playdoh sets with themes like dinosaurs, fairies, and Christmas! The Playdoh arrived with lots of bits and pieces for your child to create their very own Christmas scenes. This is an excellent way to develop imagination, story telling and creativity.
Mrs Potato Head
Always in my clinic cupboard, Mr Potato Head – who knew he has a wife, Mrs Potato Head and there’s also a baby Potato head! Great for working on speech sounds (place the items in a feely bag and your child can grab one when they have practiced their tricky sound!) and also working on body parts and emotions.
Fillable Eggs
Oh I have so many of these, they can be used in so many ways! There are some Christmas eggs out there now too! Fill them with speech sound cards, toys, or sweets. Place them in a feely bag and take turns opening them (I always use the “open” sign here!). Hide them and play a classic egg hunt at home. It doesn’t need to be Easter to enjoy an egg hunt!
Learning Resources Feelings Activity Set
I keep seeing this and I reaaaalllly want this Learning Resources Feelings Activity Set. With real photocards of emotions. I have seen these be used to show likes and dislikes (use the happy and sad people and place them on pictures in a magazine, for example) and also as fidget toys.
Happy shopping everyone and Happy Christmas!
Sarah Clarke
Speech and Language Therapist at The Owl Centre
