24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! EDUCATION Three Top Toys to Support Your Child’s Talking By Lucy Creed, Speech & Language Therapist 1.BALLOON-POWERED CAR PUMP Why it’s brilliant: Cause-and-effect toys are gold for early communication. Children love watching the balloon inflate and the car zoom off. That predictable sequence builds attention, anticipation, and interaction. Supports: • Early requesting (more, again, go) • Turn-taking • Joint attention • Action words (blow, pump, go, stop) How to use it: Use simple, repetitive phrases: “Ready… steady… GO!” Pause after “ready… steady…” to give your child space to copy or anticipate. Model “more?” each time they want another turn. 2. WOODEN VEHICLE PUZZLE Why it’s brilliant: Puzzles create natural chances for pointing, naming, matching, and understanding everyday words. Vehicles are especially motivating for many young children. Supports: • Vocabulary (car, bus, ambulance, fire engine) • Understanding simple instructions • Prepositions (in, out, on) • Sound imitation (nee-nah, beep, brum) How to use it: Label each piece as you lift it out: “Car out!” Give clues: “Find the one that goes nee-nah.” Offer choices so your child can communicate even if they’re not yet speaking. 3. FIRST 100 WORDS BOOK Why it’s brilliant: Books with real pictures support vocabulary, early categorisation, and word-to-picture association. They’re ideal for all early communicators, including those who prefer visual learning. Supports: • Everyday vocabulary • Pointing and joint attention • Early commenting • Building understanding of categories (animals, transport, food) How to use it: Avoid quizzing – simply comment, point, and model: “Look, banana… yellow banana.” Follow your child’s lead and stay on their favourite pages longer. Want more ideas like these? Visit www.sprinkleofsaltspeechandlanguagetherapy.com SAVE 10% off you first month of Sprinkle of SALT Speech & Language Therapy Hub with code RARING2TALK When it comes to boosting pre-school and primary aged children’s communication, you don’t need flashy gadgets or complicated programmes. Often, the simplest toys create the richest language opportunities. Here are my top three toys for supporting speech, language, and early communication skills at home – with ideas you can start using today.
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