Baby Developmental Toys and Play
As a speech pathologist for the last 30 years I have seen what a dramatic effect a simple toy can have on the growth of a child with a speech delay or disorder.
The toys are chosen specifically as teaching aids. I have seen baby learning toys that work better than others for certain speech or developmental delays. Some baby developmental toys encourage specific words or sounds. Others work on sign language, yet others on being bilingual.
If you have ever watched an infant shake a rattle, stare into a mirror, or look longingly at a mobile you will see the amount of concentration and effort that is put forth. The infant is playing but also learning at the same time. A 2 year old playing in the sand at the beach or a 5 year old building an intricate sand castle each is using different ranges of abilities that is appropriate for there growth at that time. These are learned abilities.
While you are playing with your child you are helping them increase or improve language development. We should encourage children to play. After all playing is learning. Playing can teach cause and effect. If I stack up the blocks as high as I can and they come crashing down. I have learned cause and effect. Remember, trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. It never worked out. Through, focus and trial and error we finally learn the round peg does not fit in the square hole. Some of us, as adults, forget that one all too frequently.
As a child gains more control over the environment he then gains self confidence. Once a child has self confidence they start to see what they can accomplish in a positive way. He can try new things. He may fail at some things, but should be encouraged to try again. Without self confidence he may not have tried at all. As you watch your child or baby play, you can determine what things frustrate him and what doesn’t. This gives you ideas on what type of developmental toys are needed to help him through this frustrated time.
The products I recommend have worked for me for many years. With new computer activities and language enriching videos you can help enhance a child’s language development.
One of my favorite products that I use almost on a daily basis is a series of DVDs. I have used them for the last several years as a Speech Pathologist for 0 to 5 year olds and they are truly outstanding. It is a series from Signing Times. It is a series of DVD’s that show children signing, and saying the word and matching it with the object or action. It not only teaches children to learn but also teaches other family members or classmates. I highly recommend this product if you child has a speech delay, autism, aspergers, learning to be bilingual, hearing loss or any other speech disorder.
- Baby Signing Time DVD Set 1&2
- The LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table
has 15 activities, 40 songs. Teaches shapes, numbers, counting in English and Spanish. Provides visual, and auditory stimulation with motor skill development.
- Lamaze Jacques Play and Grow the Peacock
stimulates vision and auditory skills.