Toys I Love As An SLP
Toys I Love As a Speech-Language Pathologist
As speech-language pathologists, we're incredibly fortunate to help children discover the joy of learning through play. By integrating some of their favorite toys and games into therapy, we not only make sessions fun but also create valuable learning opportunities. It's amazing how toys can serve as tools to encourage communication and skill development!
One of the biggest reasons I love play-based therapy is because it allows parents to continue practicing speech and language skills at home in a playful, low-pressure environment. This makes it easier for kids to retain and transfer what they’re learning. Over the years, I’ve gathered a collection of toys and games that have proven to be hits in my therapy sessions—whether for speech sound goals, language development, or supporting kids who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Here are some of my favorites:
Learning Resources Counting Surprise Party
Oh my FUN! The Counting Surprise Party is an exciting, engaging toy that kids of all ages absolutely love. These little presents are always a hit in therapy and make every session feel like a celebration.
How to implement speech/language goals:
Requesting: “I want the blue box!” “Give me pink.”
Commenting: “I like this one!”
Articulation: Hide articulation targets inside the presents or use the pieces to match specific sounds or words the child is working on.
Language skills: Work on nouns, verbs, adjectives, categorizing, and WH-questions.
Balloon Launcher
This toy has been one of my favorites for years! The Balloon Launcher is perfect for targeting early language skills, exclamatory words, and expanding utterances.
How to implement speech/language goals:
Following directions and spatial concepts: “Put the balloon on top”, “The car goes in front”.
Articulation: Targeting bilabial sounds and other phonological processes (i.e., pop, up, more, push, balloon, stop).
Commenting: “Wow! That went far.”
Exclamatory words: “Uh oh!”, “Wow!”, “Yay!”
AAC and language: Encourage utterance expansion like “Want + car” or “color + balloon” and core words like “push”, “go”, “stop”.
Question words: “How far did it go?” “Which do you like better, the car or the rocket?”
Critter Clinic
Critter Clinic is one of those toys you can never grow tired of. The open-ended play opportunities are endless, and the element of surprise keeps kids engaged. It’s fantastic for imaginative play and offers great versatility in supporting language development.
How to implement speech/language goals:
Articulation practice: Place articulation cards on or in the doors.
Language expansion: Use the critter clinic’s as an opportunity to integrate objects of interest to your child within the doors to encourage the use of more language! Talking points may include requesting, attributes, comparing/contrasting, wh questions, and more!
Board Games
Board games are classic and fantastic way to target speech and language skills while also teaching important social concepts like turn-taking and sequencing. I love using board games to target articulation goals—each time a child takes their turn, they can practice their target sounds. Plus, many games require kids to name objects, describe actions, or discuss concepts, all of which help grow vocabulary.
How to implement speech/language goals:
Articulation practice: Practice specific words each time it's their turn.
Social skills: Practice using phrases like “Your turn!” or “It’s my turn now.”
Language development: Encourage full sentence responses when commenting and requesting.
Large Pop-Its
Who doesn’t love Pop-Its? Whether large or small, they’re a must-have in any therapy session. Not only are they incredibly engaging, but they’re also perfect for encouraging kids to say their words before pressing each bubble. The large Pop-Its are especially great for getting lots of practice in one session!
How to implement speech/language goals:
Phonemic awareness: Use Pop-Its to help children segment words into individual sounds, making it tactile and fun.
Articulation practice: Have them say their target word or sound every time they press a bubble.
Ultimately, the power of play is undeniable. Through toys and games, we can create meaningful, engaging therapy experiences that not only foster communication skills but also build connections. As speech-language pathologists, we are lucky to have these wonderful tools at our disposal to guide children on their learning journeys.
If you’re a parent or therapist, I encourage you to explore these toys and see how they can bring joy and growth to your sessions. And remember, every moment of play is an opportunity for learning—whether at home or in the therapy room. Keep playing, keep communicating, and keep having fun!
