Toys and Games Designed to Help Increase Vocabulary and Build Language Skills

by Courtenay M. Games and Activities Language Building Skills Language Development Parents' Corner Speech Therapy Techniques
Toys Can Be Excellent Building Blocks to Increase Vocabulary

Toys Can Be Excellent Building Blocks to Increase Vocabulary

It’s that time of year again! Everywhere you look is another advertisement for yet another toy that your child MUST have!  Barbie, Play Dough, Nintendo Wii, Lego sets…these are always great gifts that most children will love. But, what about toys that are fun for kids and can help build language skills and increase vocabulary at the same time?  Is that even possible? The answer is yes. But will the kids enjoy these toys? Again, the answer is YES, and you may be surprised that some very famous toys are actually excellent language building blocks.

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Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Games That Build Gratitude During the Holidays

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner

 

Build Gratitude

Gratitude is good for you! Help your kids experience more of it with these 6 activities. Image source: prettyprovidence.com

Thanksgiving is here – and so is the Christmas season, meaning that kids everywhere will be making lists and making sure they check those lists twice. While the holidays are a wonderful time to share gifts with people who are special in our lives, it can mean that families sometimes feel an imbalance between the getting and the giving. If you’re trying to build gratitude in your kids, try some of these games and activities that remind everyone of the real joys of giving. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – Thanksgiving Activities for Kids While the Turkey is in the Oven

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner

Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

Play this version of Cootie with cookies, M&Ms, and a couple of die borrowed from other games. Image Source: savingcentbycent.com

As Thanksgiving nears, I’m making my shopping lists and strategically planning the baking of pies and sharing oven time with all of the other dishes – for my first official Thanksgiving Day meal we are hosting. That to-do list also includes enough activities and extras for the kids so that they both feel like an important part of the day and also get to do more than twiddle their thumbs while I prepare dinner. These are some of my stand-by games for holidays, along with a few new adventures we are adding to our list of Thanksgiving activities for kids. Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – 10 Indoor Games For Kids (that won’t break the furniture!)

by Chris O Games and Activities Parents' Corner

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There are some days when either the weather or the schedule keeps the kids inside for just a bit too long and they start to become antsy balls of pent-up energy. Physical activity is essential for healthy bodies and minds, but can be challenging to accomplish some days. One particularly long winter many years ago I came to a realization – either find ways for the kids to actively play inside or install a room ensconced in bubble wrap. That winter was the year we tried possibly all the indoor games for kids and came up with some favorites – activities the kids can play inside without breaking the furniture! Continue reading →

Speech Buddies Parents’ Corner – You Don’t Have to Shout! Nine Tips to Get Kids to Listen More

by Chris O Parents' Corner

Tips to Get Kids to Listen More

Image Courtesy of lifecoachingforparents.com

Do you ever feel like the only way to get your children to listen is to continuously raise the volume of your voice? Whether it is competing with the chaotic noise level of the busy house or struggling through a battle of wills with an independent child, getting children to listen is sometimes one of the most challenging experiences we have as parents. As a mother of four children I’ve had to discover tips to get kids to listen more – without raising my own vocal volume in the process. Continue reading →