Getting Ready for Play

  • Prepare your child for play by describing different features of the toy as you and your child explore it together: what it feels/sounds like, what to do to make it work, and then what happens when it does.
  • Keep your language simple and repeat words often. Realize that children understand short phrases before more complex sentences. And please, no “baby talk”!
  • When you talk about playing with the toy, combine words with gestures and signs. Remember, there are lots of ways to communicate!
  • Emphasize the sounds of words and objects.
  • Encourage any of your child’s attempts to make sound-effects and approximations of words.
  • Try to face your child when playing, or play in front of a mirror—it’s a fun way for both of you to see everything!

Toys/Features to Look For

  • Toys that react to a simple touch
  • Toys with realistic sounds and figures
  • Toys that require your child to make sounds for something to happen
  • Toys that label toy objects, offer related sounds and let your child practice over and over again
  • Toys that relate words and letters to the sounds they make
  • Toys that emphasize initial consonant sounds, rhyming words or other pre-literacy activities

Play Stages

Choose an area of special needs for your child