Best Toys for Early Language Development: 18-24 Months
Are you wondering what toys to get your child for the holidays that he/she will love AND promote language development?! We have the perfect ideas for you!
18 Months to 24 Months
Toddlers are rapidly learning language. They have good control of their hands and fingers and like to do things with small objects. My top toy pick for this age? Baby dolls!
Where to find it: Doll babies can be found in many stores. Here’s a link to purchase one on Amazon:
Receptive and Expressive Language Tasks:
Spatial Concepts: on, off, in, up, down, over, under, next to, behind, in front, top, bottom
Vocabulary: label actions (sleep, eat, bathe, crawl) and objects (food, clothing items, body parts)
Qualitative Concepts/Attributes: big, little, colors, soft, hard, wet, dry
Simple Directions: put in, give me, feed baby
Sequencing: bath time routine, bed time routine, meal time routine (first, then, last)
Creative play: feed baby, dress baby, change baby, rock baby, put baby to bed
Social: requesting, protesting, eye contact, turn taking: take turns feeding baby, hugging baby, greetings, partings
Model language
Fine Motor: Hold baby, move baby, use utensil to feed baby, dress baby
Visual and Spatial Perception: Feed baby
Sensory: Water play with “bathing” baby
Gross Motor: Have toddler walk or crawl to get pieces of the baby; play hide and seek with baby
Written by: Virginia Liner, MS, CCC-SLP
Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Tri-County Therapy
