Choosing a Homeschool Preschool Curriculum
I am really excited to start a fun, play-based homeschool program for my preschooler. Here’s more on how I decided which curriculum to use: Why Even Bother with Homeschool for a Preschooler? I never thought I would be searching for a homeschool preschool curriculum. When people used to tell me that they were going to “homeschool” their preschooler, I thought: Why? Preschoolers need to learn through play. (Spoiler alert: I still believe that preschoolers need to learn through play!) I am so lucky to be staying home this year with my 3.5 year old and newborn. (I’m writing this in fall of 2020 and I was planning to stay…
Gifts for Babies that Encourage Language Development
I’ve complied a list of some of my favorite toys to stimulate early language development in babies. (I usually give one of these as part a baby shower gift or as a first birthday present!) Even before babies learn to talk, they are laying the foundation for talking and communication! As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I use toys during play-based therapy with pre-talkers to establish imitation skills, understanding of cause/effect, receptive language (understanding words/language), and to teach gestures such as pointing, waving, and baby sign language. This post contains affiliate links, which means we could receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.…
Flower Shop Dramatic Play with Adjectives (Free Printable!)
One of my favorite speech therapy activities is the flower shop pretend play activity for preschoolers. It's perfect to play at home too! I like to use this activity to target both dramatic play as well as describing words. Keep scrolling for a free visual that kids can use as a as a “menu” to order flowers using describing words.
The Perfect Activity for Siblings: The “Mystery Craft”
The idea for the Mystery Craft started in one of my small speech therapy groups when I ended up having to pair two students together that were pretty different in their abilities. (For any speech therapists wondering, one was targeting listening comprehension and the other social/pragmatic skills.) These two boys loved the Mystery Craft and asked for it all the time! It got me thinking that it would also be perfect for siblings! Okay – here’s how to do it: Pick a Craft You’ll want to pick a craft that is easy enough for the younger sibling and has the steps either written out or in picture form…
Easter Basket Fillers for Toddlers that Promote Learning!
Easter is already right around the corner. I love any excuse to dress up my daughter in a frilly dress and see her face light up when she comes downstairs to a fun-filled Easter basket! But what I don’t love is a sugar cash at 8 a.m. on Easter morning – right before we have to get dressed up and go to visit relatives! So that got me thinking . . . What are some good non-food Easter basket fillers and gifts for toddlers? This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.…
10 Puzzle Activities for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Babies that Promote Learning
One of best toys for toddler language development is the PUZZLE! Puzzles are inexpensive, don’t take up too much space, and are so versatile.In this article, I’ll cover how to use puzzles with babies, toddlers and preschoolers - as well as with older, special needs children (just look for the communication-level that matches your child’s ability).
Best Songs for Language Development – Plus a Free Printable
Sylvie has loved music since she was teeny tiny - my (off-key) singing would always bring a smile to her face. I would randomly pick a song to sing to her based on whatever my foggy, mom-brain could come up with in the moment. But sometimes I wondered, "What does she want to hear?" or "Which song does she like the best?" I've included a free, printable set of communication cards you can use to let your pre-talker or early talker pick which song he or she wants to hear!
14 Sorting Activities to Encourage Language Development
Sorting activities can range from super simple to more complex – making it great for toddlers (starting around 15-18 months) all the way up to early elementary. It also keeps little hands and bodies busy, which is always a plus! One reason that sorting is so great for language development is because
Coloring Inside the Box: Simple Ideas to Get Your Toddler Talking while Coloring
OMG – thanks to my sister-in-law for telling me to throw a bunch of crayons into a giant cardboard box with my tot. It's a great, independent play activity! Plus, it’s really cute. It’s like Sylvie gets to draw on the walls, but it’s totally okay (and she’s happily contained – he he.)
How to Get Your Toddler Talking with Mr. Potato Head
Here is the next article in our series on “How to Get Your Toddler to Talk” using simple, classic toys. Hope you enjoy! Good Ol’ Mr. Potato Head. He’s silly looking and targets learning the basic body parts, two things that toddlers love – Win Win!
