7 Toys for Speech and Language Therapy Preschool Evaluations

Introduction

Hey there, fellow speech and language therapy enthusiasts! If you’re like me, you know that working with preschoolers can be both incredibly rewarding and occasionally challenging. One thing that always brings a smile to my face, though, is seeing how kids light up when they’re engaged in play. That’s why I’m excited to share with you today some of my favorite toys for conducting speech and language therapy evaluations with preschoolers.

Criteria for Selecting Toys

Before we dive into the toy recommendations, let’s talk about what makes a good speech and language therapy toy for preschool evaluations. First and foremost, it’s crucial to consider the developmental stage of the child you’re working with. Every child is unique, so it’s essential to choose toys that align with their individual needs and abilities.

Another important factor to consider is sensory experience. Children learn best when they can engage multiple senses, so look for toys that offer a variety of textures, colors, sounds, and even smells.

Finally, think about the different ways children communicate. While verbal communication is essential, don’t forget about nonverbal and augmentative communication modalities. The right toys can support all of these communication methods.

Toy #1: Building Blocks

There’s something timeless about building blocks. Watching a child stack them up and knock them down never gets old. But did you know that building blocks are also fantastic tools for speech and language therapy evaluations?

One of the things I love about building blocks is their versatility. You can use them to target a wide range of speech and language therapy goals. For example, you can work on vocabulary development by naming the different colors and shapes of the blocks. You can also practice spatial concepts like “on top,” “underneath,” and “next to.”

Plus, building blocks are great for promoting social skills like turn-taking and sharing. I’ve seen many shy preschoolers come out of their shells when they’re working together to build a tower.

Toy #2: Puppets

Puppets are magical creatures in the world of speech and language therapy. There’s just something about putting on a puppet that brings out the silliness in both kids and adults alike. But beyond the fun factor, puppets are excellent tools for targeting expressive language skills.

One of my favorite ways to use puppets is for storytelling. I’ll often start a story with one of the puppets and then encourage the child to take over and continue the story themselves. Not only does this promote creativity and imagination, but it also gives children a chance to practice their narrative language skills.

Puppets are also fantastic for working on articulation and intonation. I’ll often have the puppet “model” the correct way to produce a specific sound, and then encourage the child to imitate it. It’s amazing how much more willing kids are to practice their speech sounds when they’re talking to a puppet!

Toy #3: Picture Books

Who doesn’t love a good picture book? Whether it’s a classic like “Where the Wild Things Are” or a new favorite like “The Day the Crayons Quit,” picture books have a special way of capturing children’s imaginations.

But picture books aren’t just for entertainment; they’re also powerful tools for speech and language therapy evaluations. For starters, they’re fantastic for stimulating receptive language skills. You can ask the child questions about the story, have them point to different objects on the page, or even retell the story themselves.

Picture books are also great for encouraging conversation and comprehension skills. I’ll often use them as a springboard for discussions about emotions, problem-solving, and social interactions. Plus, reading aloud to a child is a wonderful way to model fluent and expressive speech.

Toy #4: Play Kitchen Set

If you’ve ever spent time with a preschooler, you know that they love to play pretend. And one of the most popular pretend play scenarios? The kitchen, of course!

A play kitchen set is a fantastic toy for speech and language therapy evaluations for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great way to practice functional vocabulary related to cooking and food. You can talk about different foods, utensils, and actions like “stirring” and “pouring.”

Pretend play scenarios like cooking in a kitchen also provide opportunities for practicing sequential and descriptive speech and language therapy. Children can talk about the steps involved in making a meal, describe the different ingredients, and even narrate a story about what they’re cooking.

Toy #5: Art Supplies

Art supplies are another must-have for speech and language therapy evaluations with preschoolers. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also provide a unique sensory experience that can be both calming and stimulating for children.

One of my favorite ways to use art supplies in speech and language therapy is for practicing expressive language skills. I’ll often ask children to create a piece of artwork and then describe what they’ve made using as many details as possible. This not only helps build vocabulary but also encourages children to use descriptive language.

Art supplies are also fantastic for supporting fine motor skills, which are essential for speech and language therapy. Whether they’re coloring with crayons, squeezing glue bottles, or cutting with scissors, children are strengthening the same muscles they use for speech production.

Toy #6: Sorting and Matching Games

Sorting and matching games are a fun and interactive way to target a variety of speech and language therapy goals. Whether it’s sorting objects by color, shape, or category, these games provide valuable opportunities for learning and language development.

One of the things I love about sorting and matching games is that they’re highly adaptable. You can make them as simple or as complex as you like, depending on the child’s skill level. For example, you might start with a basic color matching game and then gradually introduce more challenging concepts like sorting by size or function.

These games are also great for promoting speech and language therapy development through labeling and describing objects. As children sort and match the different items, encourage them to talk about what they’re doing and why. This not only reinforces vocabulary but also helps children understand the relationships between different objects.

Toy #7: Musical Instruments

Last but not least, let’s talk about musical instruments. Whether it’s banging on a drum, shaking a maraca, or blowing into a kazoo, making music is a fun and engaging way to support speech and language therapy development.

One of the things I love about musical instruments is their ability to stimulate auditory discrimination skills. Children learn to distinguish between different sounds and tones, which is essential for speech perception and production.

Musical instruments also provide opportunities for rhythm and rhyme activities, which are fantastic for promoting phonological awareness. Whether you’re clapping along to a beat or singing a silly song, these activities help children develop an ear for the sounds of language.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks: seven fantastic toys for conducting speech and language therapy evaluations with preschoolers. From building blocks to musical instruments, each of these toys offers unique opportunities for learning and language development.

So the next time you’re planning a therapy session with a preschooler, why not bring along one of these toys? You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in engaging and motivating your young clients. Happy playing!

FAQs

1. Why is play-based evaluation important in speech and language therapy for preschoolers?
   Play-based evaluation is crucial because it allows children to engage in activities they enjoy while also providing valuable opportunities for speech and language therapy development. Through play, speech and language therapy can assess a child’s communication skills in a natural and relaxed setting, which often yields more accurate results.
2. How do I know which toys are appropriate for speech and language therapy evaluations with preschoolers?
   When selecting toys for evaluations, consider the child’s developmental stage, individual needs, and communication goals. Look for toys that offer a variety of sensory experiences, promote social interaction, and support different communication modalities (verbal, nonverbal, augmentative).
3. Can I use these toys for therapy sessions beyond evaluations?
   Absolutely! These toys are not only great for evaluations but also for ongoing therapy sessions. They provide versatile tools for targeting a wide range of speech and language goals, and children often enjoy playing with them during speech and language therapy sessions.
4. How can I adapt these toys for children with special needs?
   Many of these toys can be easily adapted to meet the needs of children with special needs. For example, you can modify the rules of a game or adjust the level of difficulty to make it more accessible. Additionally, consider using alternative speech and language therapy methods such as picture communication symbols or sign language to support children with limited verbal abilities.
5. What if a child is not interested in playing with the toys during the evaluation?
   It’s not uncommon for children to feel shy or hesitant during evaluations, especially if they’re in an unfamiliar environment. In such cases, try to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, and give the child plenty of time to warm up to the toys. You can also try incorporating the child’s interests into the evaluation by offering toys or activities that they enjoy.
6.  How can I involve parents in the evaluation process using these toys?
   Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s speech and language therapy development, so it’s essential to involve them in the evaluation process whenever possible. You can encourage parents to observe the evaluation session and participate in activities with their child. Additionally, provide parents with information and resources to help them continue supporting their child’s communication skills at home.
7. Are there any safety considerations I should keep in mind when using these toys?
   Safety is always a top priority when working with children. Ensure you select toys suitable for the child’s age and devoid of small components that may present a choking risk. Inspect toys regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and follow any manufacturer recommendations for safe use. Additionally, supervise children closely during play to ensure their safety at all times.
8. How can I incorporate these toys into teletherapy sessions?
   Incorporating toys into teletherapy sessions can be a great way to engage young clients and keep them actively participating in speech and language therapy. Consider using virtual platforms that allow for screen sharing or have built-in interactive features. You can also encourage parents to have the toys on hand at home during the session, so the child can interact with them in real-time. Additionally, provide clear instructions and demonstrations for how to use the toys effectively during the session.
9. Can these toys be used for children with bilingual or multilingual backgrounds?
   Absolutely! These toys can be used to support speech and language therapy development in children with bilingual or multilingual backgrounds. In fact, many of the activities and games can be easily adapted to incorporate multiple languages. Encourage parents to use the toys and engage in language-rich activities in whichever language(s) they feel most comfortable speaking with their child. This will help promote language development in all of the child’s languages.
10. How can I track progress using these toys during therapy sessions?
    Tracking progress during speech and language therapy sessions is essential for monitoring the child’s development and adjusting therapy goals as needed. Consider keeping detailed notes or using a checklist to record the child’s responses and interactions during play-based activities. You can also use standardized assessment tools or language samples to measure progress over time. Additionally, communicate regularly with parents and other members of the therapy team to discuss the child’s progress and determine next steps for therapy.