Communication Through Play

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Teaching your child and helping them through their speech and language development can be fun. While playing and communicating with your child, find the right tools that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. A toy is a toy but adding the family’s love and attention is a must.For children with speech & language delays, look for toys that offer repetition. Books that have repetitive phrases or toys that continually repeat concepts and directions are great choices. The following are suggested types of toys by age:Preschool: 3-5 years. Introduce toys that inspire pretend play/imagination and allow children to imitate mom or dad to practice life skills. Examples include cash registers, toy telephones, make-believe town sets, doll houses, furniture, games that require turn taking and story games. Remember to get in on the fun. Have pretend phone conversations, you can be the clerk and your child can be the customer. This is a wonderful time to connect.Children in this group are fascinated with how and why things work. Construction sets, washable crayons and markers, paints, modeling clay, books, and simple board games encourage creativity. This is their opportunity to be creative, offer suggestions but let them do the work.School Age: 5-9 years. Encourage children to share and introduce toys and games that teach both team playing and independence. Consider toys that boost self-esteem and allow children to use their personalities.Choose hobby sets, sports toys, computer software, problem solving math toys, construction sets with detailed elements and storybooks with valuable messages. Games are available to help children learn specific skills, including counting, matching, and problem solving. Board games are now available that offer the opportunity to think and make guesses about the other participants.Preteen: 9-12 years.Acceptance from friends and self-esteem are very important to this age group. Toys begin to seem less interesting to children of this age. Complex construction sets, multi-level board games, strategic puzzles, science toys, and activity kits are the best choices. Active and physical play should be an area of focus through team and group sports. Social and intellectual skills are refined through board, electronic, and card games.Always supervise your child's play and play with your child often! Those memories will last a lifetime.