The average toddler’s usage of language should naturally develop from around 50+ words to 250+ between the ages of two and three years old. However, you can help them learn and expand their development even more by offering speech language toys! In fact, exposing your toddler to a growing list of age-appropriate words is one of the best ways to ensure they’ll end up with a lifelong love of language.
Toys for Language Development
The key to language development is responsive and rich interaction. This includes reading, frequent conversations, and singing. In fact, reading to them daily is a fantastic way to introduce them to new words. Therefore, let’s delve more deeply into the wonderful world of books!
From Ages 0-1
Board books offer the ideal way for babies to begin learning in multiple ways. Not only is it a great way to focus on their language education, but these durable and safe books can also be explored through touching and even chewing. At their young age, board books should focus on things like animals, colors, and counting.
We offer plenty of board books for this age range. For example, start their color education with My First Colors. As an added bonus, this book teaches them bilingually, so they can learn in English and Spanish!
Ready to teach them about the ABCs? Grab the Alphasaurus A to Z Board Book! If your baby has shown any interest in dinosaurs, then this A to Z book can serve two purposes. First, it’ll show them the ABCs, and secondly, it does so through various dinosaur names.
Does your baby love animals? Most young toddlers do, which is why we offer an entire collection of books from Leika. Each of the following is made specifically for beginners and features large text and colorful images:
From Ages 1-2
Between the ages of one and two, you can expand their vocabulary with additional language development toys. One fantastic place to start is with Flashcards - Colors Montessori. These simple but important cards feature pictures of 36 different objects. The goal is to have your toddler name the color depicted on each card.
Another way to foster their love of language is by playing with Pete the Cat - Audio Character. While playing with this cool cat, your toddler will learn about:
- Honesty
- Enthusiasm
- Curiosity
- Authenticity
At the same time, they’ll also pick up new words, making it a win-win!
When it’s time for the holidays, grab a copy of Green is for Christmas. Your toddler will learn about their colors, along with the importance of letting everyone participate. After all, the Green crayon believes he’s the only necessary color for Christmas. Fortunately, Red, White, Tan, and Silver show him how important they are, too!
If you’re raising your child to be bilingual, then Mudpuppy Spanish to English Ring Flash Cards are a must. They use common, everyday animals and objects to teach kids English and Spanish. An example of the 26 two-sided cards is ‘cat’ on one side, and ‘el gato’ on the other.
Teach them more about their ABCs by selecting the ABC Rainforest Book. The American Museum of Natural History released this book, so you know it’s full of useful information! This time around, toddlers are taught their ABCs by also learning about the rainforest. Beginning with A is for Amazon and B is for Blue Arrow Poison Frog, they’ll discover animals they never knew existed.
Toddlers are typically taught about numbers, letters, and shapes. But what about their all-important emotions? The Color Monster: A Pop Up Book of Feelings will learn how to identify emotions like happiness, fear, calm, and anger. This book provides a good way to help your child learn to name their emotions and share them with others!
From Ages 2-3
Their next language development stage happens between the ages of two and three. Their vocabulary will quadruple, plus they’ll begin using two to three word sentences and incorporating pronouns.
Show them how much better life can be when they embrace everyone with the book Everyone Belongs. They’re at the perfect age to absorb this message, which teaches them about empathy. This encouraging 40-page book uses rhymes to make its point. "We know everyone's different; no two are the same. You belong in our show!" the sisters exclaimed.
By the time your child reaches the age of three, they’ll probably be ready to begin attempting to write their ABCs and 123s. They will make a lot of mistakes at this age, though, so why not make it easier with Wipe-Clean, Get Ready for School ABC & 123 Book? Engage their minds with 40 pages of activities that can be wiped clean and done again!
Another way to use language development toys is to make a number chain. Make a Match Puzzle - Number contains jumbo puzzle pieces that can be linked together to help them count. In addition to developing their language skills, this will also help them develop visual perception, motor skills, and spatial imagination. And, of course, this puzzle game uses animals to engage your child’s interest!
Show them how useful setting goals can be with the Go Go Sadie Book. In this 48-page story, Sadie the Sloth is determined to become the first sloth in history to participate in the Jungle Run. Her friends and family are there to encourage her, too! Can she make it to the end of the Jungle Run? Read this book with your three-year-old to find out!
Finally, show your child that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side with If I Had a Gryphon. In this 32-page story, a girl named Sam wants a more exciting pet than a hamster. Through a series of rhymes, she’ll learn why wanting a unicorn, a hippograff, or a Sasquatch might not be the best choice. Plus, she’ll come to appreciate her hamster more.
Why is it Important to Read to Your Child?
Reading to toddlers will help their brain development, along with helping them learn about cause and effect. Furthermore, by reading to them early and often, you can help foster a lifelong love of books. Other benefits include:
- Develops social skills
- Teaches empathy
- Sparks imagination
- Improves memory and focus
- Strengthens bonds
- Provides a calm routine
As you can see, some of the very best toys for language development are actually books! Reading to your toddler every single day is a proven way to help them develop strong language skills.
