Top five toys encouraging language development
- Amra Durakovic
- 29 Oct 2019
The 10th biannual Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo returns to the Hamilton Convention Centre on November 2nd & 3rd with nearly 100 top brands and guest speakers showcasing their latest products and services addressing the needs of new or soon-to-be parent(s), the ones with a toddler, or the extended family and friends. Confirmed brands include Baby World of Stoney Creek, Thinkamajigs, Barefoot Babies, Tupperware, Hello Fresh, and many more!
Helping parents navigate the world of children 0 – 5 years old has always been the mandate for this expo, and the toy industry continues to do an incredible job of keeping pace with innovation and trends seen beyond the toy aisle in order to bring kids and families exactly what they are looking for: “Play that is engaging, enriching, and fun,” says Jacqueline Hunter, show director for the upcoming expo.
With the help of Bump, Baby and Toddler expert Lauren Costie, M.SLP Reg-CASLPO, Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of Lingo Therapy, here are the top five toy finds encouraging language development.
Stringable Farm Themed Beads ($18) BY BAREFOOT BABIES
This toy can be used to help build narrative and storytelling skills. Add animals onto the beads as you add parts to the story. If your child struggles with retelling events in their day or stringing many thoughts and ideas together, this can be a great way to practice. It helps them visualize the sequence of the story’s parts.
Spray Squeegee Cleaning Set ($19.95) BY Thinkamajigs
Miniature versions of everyday household objects are a great way to help your young child get involved in routines at home. We love this set because it allows your child to join in activities you’re doing anyways and can function as play. You can model tons of descriptive and actions words as you complete chores (wipe, clean, dirty, sweep, wet, dry, etc.)
Balloon Powered Boat ($8) BY Barefoot Babies
This is an excellent toy for language in the bath — just make sure you are in control of the balloon at all times as it can be a choking hazard. This is another toy that needs the adult to make it work, which is essential in creating opportunities for communication. Set up a routine with this toy, using the same words and language each time. Blow the balloon up bit by bit, modelling a word each time. For example, say “blow” or “bigger” and then wait for your child to imitate or attempt to imitate your word. If your child is not yet talking, they may smile, nod, reach, squeal — repeat the word and blow up the balloon.
Latches BoarD ($29.95) BY Thinkamajigs
Lots of language can be elicited and modelled using this toy where there is opportunity to label colours, numbers, location prepositions (beside, under, on top, between), descriptive words (stuck, hard, bright, locked), action words (open, close, lift, pull), and nouns (animals behind the doors). Allow the child to explore the toy and attempt to open the latches. Children at this age love repetition, so repeat, repeat, repeat!
Finger Puppet Set ($23) BY Barefoot Babies
For more advanced storytelling and imaginative play, this adorable finger puppet set is excellent. Help your child act out a familiar story or create your own. Be sure to add rich, descriptive language or “story sparkle” into your performance. See if your child then imitates the phrases or words you use. Include dialogue between characters, discuss the story after with your child. “What happened at the beginning, middle and end?” Come up with alternative endings. The possibilities are endless.
Find these toys and more at the Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo on November 2nd and 3rd! Attendees can expect two days of trusted experts, exclusive deals from top baby brands, and thousands of dollars worth of giveaways! Admission to Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo is $10 with doors open from 9 am to 3 pm at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
For details, please visit bumpbabyandtoddler.com
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