This week I took a trip to my local Dollar Tree because its one of my favorite places lately- especially around the holidays. Today let’s talk about some items I found at my last shopping trip to the Dollar Tree that I think may help elicit language in your toddler or even your school age child.  What I have found is that most of these things can used in many ways or adapted for a different age group.  So I am going to list some ideas but be flexible and let those creative juices flow and you just may find a brand new way to use some of these items.     

1. Playing cards/Flash cards: You can use these for almost any age. Here are some uses:

-Naming objects (you show the card to the child and they name the object).

-Buy 2 sets and play matching/memory.

-Hide the cards and have treasure hunt.

2. Balls

-Roll the ball back and forth (be sure to have them request by saying or signing “ball”).

-Have them shoot the ball into the trash/basketball hoop.

-If you are working with an older child buy a few and have them complete a task (saying speech sounds, multiplication families, etc.) to earn a ball and then have them take a shot.

3.  Play-Doh

-Make shapes, snakes, balls out of the play doh.  Sometimes I will ask a child if they want to make a”snake or a ball. ”  This gives them a choice and forces them to communicate with you.

-If working with an older child, I put the speech sounds or math problems in a sheet protector and they can cover the sound, word or problem when finished.

4. Funny Faces

-These are great to reinforce body parts.

-Buy more than one and have the child make a choice (“do you want the red nose or the mustache?”).

-Mirror play- put your funny face on while both of you look into the mirror and chat, point out body parts, or just giggle.

5. Microphone

​-Ask a question and ask your child to answer into the microphone.

​-Sing a song.

-Have your child repeat sentences or even read out loud using the microphone.

6. Puzzles

​-Name the animal or item on the puzzle piece.

​-Hide the puzzle pieces for a treasure hunt.

​-Describe the picture by its function or color and have the child guess ​​​(“which one flies?” or  “which one goes to the hospital?”)

-Have your older child describe the object and YOU guess.  (You may be surprised how difficult it is for some children)

7.  Workbooks

-Younger kids love anything that feels like school work so have them complete 1-3 pages daily.  Be sure to sit with them especially if they are younger- they need the reinforcement from you.

-Use this to reinforce skills such as reading comprehension that your older child is working on.  Again only a 1-4 pages at a time- it keeps the frustration low.

The Dollar Tree store is full of things that can be useful in increasing communication in play.  Next time you are there take a trip down the toy aisle!

Til next time, 

Adrienne Fuller M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Builders, LLC
speechbuilders.org
(407) 703-2711