Best Toys for Early Language Development: 2 to 3 Years
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!
2 Years to 3 Years
Typically, 2 and 3 year old children talk a lot and ask a lot of questions. They like to experiment with things and with their still-emerging physical skills. They like to play with people!
My top toy pick? Crafts!
Where to find it: Craft items can be found in many stores. Here’s a link to purchase one set on Amazon:
Receptive and Expressive Language Tasks:
Vocabulary: nouns
Wh questions: What color is it, where is it, etc.
Spatial Concepts: on, off, in, up, down, over, under, next to, behind, in front, top, bottom
Quantitative Concepts: one, some, all, many, few
Qualitative Concepts/Attributes: big, little, colors, bumpy, smooth, sticky
Simple Directions: put on, get the pink one and give me
Counting
Sequencing: first, then, last
Creative play: pretend play with what you make, Greetings-say hi and bye to fairy’s
Social: requesting, protesting, eye contact, turn taking: take turns putting pieces on
Articulation: choose target sound and embed the word: ex. /k/ -cut the paper, cut the flower
Model language
Fine Motor: Picking up (grasp) and putting in place (release), getting sticker off, coloring
Visual and Spatial Perception: putting stickers in various places
Sensory: Use fingers to feel glue, stickers, put pieces in bin of beans or rice
Gross Motor: have an obstacle course to find the various craft pieces to put together
Written by: Virginia Liner, MS, CCC-SLP
Lead Speech Language Pathologist
Tri-County Therapy
