speech and language development

April 15 2026

Social Skills for Toddlers: Helping Your Child Build Connections

Sholeh Shahinfar Activities & DIY Ideas, All, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development building social connections, child communication development, early childhood development, parallel play toddlers, parent guidance for toddlers, social communication skills, speech and language development, toddler play and interaction, Toddler social skills, turn-taking activities

Watching your little one learn to communicate is one of the most beautiful journeys you’ll experience together. Long before they speak in full sentences, children use gestures, facial expressions, and play to connect with the people they love. These precious early interactions form the foundation of social communication.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I’m often asked by families how they can best support these developing skills at home. Here’s what I always share: you don’t need expensive toys or specialized equipment to help your child flourish. Your everyday routines are filled with countless opportunities to nurture social skills. Let me show you how you can naturally encourage your toddler to connect, interact, and play in ways that honor their unique way of being.

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Why Peer Interaction Matters

Toddlers are incredible observers. When they’re around other children, they’re constantly watching, listening, and learning. Around age two, you’ll likely notice your child engaging in parallel play, which is playing alongside another child rather than directly with them.

This stage is completely normal and wonderfully beneficial for your child’s development. Parallel play helps toddlers become comfortable sharing space and materials while giving them the perfect opportunity to observe how peers use language and gestures. Something as simple as arranging a casual playdate or visiting your neighborhood park gives your little one the chance to absorb these valuable social lessons.

Responding to Names and Eye Contact: What Families Should Know

Many parents worry when their toddler doesn’t consistently look up when their name is called. While responding to a name is an important developmental milestone, toddlers are also naturally drawn to exploration and can become deeply focused.

If your child is absorbed in their play, try gently joining their world. Get down on the floor so you’re at their eye level. Instead of repeating their name, use an exciting sound or animated voice to capture their attention. You might hold a favorite toy right next to your face to naturally guide their gaze toward yours. Remember that eye contact should feel natural and joyful for your child, never forced.

Practical Strategies for Teaching Turn-Taking and Sharing

Sharing can be a challenging concept for toddlers to understand. At this age, they’re just beginning to make sense of ownership. Instead of expecting them to share, let’s introduce turn-taking through playful games that feel natural.

Rolling a ball back and forth across your living room floor is one of the most effective ways to teach this skill. As you play together, narrate the action by saying, “My turn,” and then, “Your turn.” You can practice this same approach with puzzles or stacking blocks. By giving your child this vocabulary, you’re empowering them with the words they’ll need to navigate sharing situations as they grow.

Click here for a great Social Stories Bundle.

When to Consult an SLP

Every child develops at their own beautiful pace, but early intervention can make a meaningful difference when support is needed. I always encourage families to trust their instincts.

Consider reaching out to an SLP if your toddler consistently doesn’t respond to their name by 12 to 15 months, rarely uses gestures like pointing or waving by 18 months, or shows little interest in connecting with you or other children. An SLP can lovingly assess your child’s unique needs and provide personalized strategies to support their growth.

Supporting Your Child’s Journey

Building social communication skills takes time, patience, and lots of loving repetition. You’re already doing the most important work simply by talking, playing, and engaging with your toddler every day. Celebrate those precious small victories: a shared smile, a successful turn-taking game, or any moment of connection. If you ever feel uncertain or concerned about your child’s progress, please reach out to us at Valued Voices or your local SLP for guidance and support. We’re here to walk alongside your family!

In the Southern California area and looking to boost your child’s social skills this summer? Check out our Summer Camp and sign up today!

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children’s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.

What are the stages of gestalt language development?

If you are curious to learn more about the six stages of gestalt language development, please click the button below.

Stages of Gestalt Language Development

December 15 2025

5 Simple & Fun Speech & Language Activities to Try at Home

Sholeh Shahinfar All, Speech & Language Development Analytic Language Processing, At-home speech therapy activities, Child-led play-based learning, Early childhood communication, gestalt language processing, neurodiversity-affirming parenting, Parent-led speech support, play-based speech therapy, Sensory play for language, speech and language development

Hi there, amazing parents & caregivers!

We know that supporting your child’s communication journey can feel overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be! Speech and language development happens best when it’s woven into everyday moments, through play, connection, and joy!

Use a dollhouse, barn, or even action figures to act out daily routines.
Narrate the play:
- “Up, up, up the stairs!”
- “Knock, knock! Who’s there?”
- “Mmm, it’s dinner time! Let’s eat!”
For Gestalt Language Processors: Use repetitive phrases like “Knock, knock!” or “Let’s go up the stairs! There’s so many!”
For Analytic Language Processors: Expand by describing actions or asking questions like, “What’s the baby eating?”

Pro Tip: Let your child take the lead. If they want the superhero to cook dinner, go with it!

A Few Gentle Reminders

Be Patient: Progress takes time, and every child learns at their own pace. Celebrate the small wins!
Follow Their Lead: Let your child’s interests guide the activities. If they’re not into one idea, try another.
Focus on Connection: The goal isn’t perfection, it’s building trust, joy, and communication together.

I hope these ideas inspire you to turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection and growth. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and your child is lucky to have you cheering them on.

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For more information and tips on how to narrate language with analytic and gestalt language processors, check out some of our resources linked below:

If you have any questions or want to share your favorite at-home activities, I’d love to hear from you!

SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

What are the stages of gestalt language development?

If you are curious to learn more about the six stages of gestalt language development, please click the button below.

Stages of Gestalt Language Development

July 1 2025

Naturalistic vs. Behavioral Therapy: Why Going Natural Unlocks Your Child’s True Expression

Sholeh Shahinfar All, Gestalt Language Processing, Motor Skills & Sensory Support, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development ABA alternatives, behavioral therapy, child-led therapy, naturalistic therapy, neurodiversity support, parent-centered intervention, play-based learning, speech and language development

As a conscious parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their development. When it comes to intervention methods, you may have come across two distinct approaches: naturalistic and behavioral. While both may seem effective, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between these methods and why a naturalistic approach is more effective in fostering authentic expression in your child.

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Understanding Naturalistic vs Behavioral Therapy for Your Child

When seeking therapy options for children, particularly neurodiverse ones, parents often encounter various methods, each with unique strategies and benefits. Two common approaches are naturalistic and behavioral therapy. Understanding the differences between these methods can help you decide what best suits your child’s needs and supports their growth effectively.

Behavioral methods often focus on modifying specific behaviors, often using rewards and punishments to encourage desired outcomes. This approach can lead to contrived responses rather than genuine communication. In contrast, a naturalistic approach, like ours at Valued Voices, prioritizes child-led, play-based therapy that respects your child’s unique pace and style.

We believe that children learn best when they’re having fun, and our holistic, neuro-affirming approach acknowledges and celebrates neurodiversity.

What is Naturalistic Therapy?

Naturalistic therapy focuses on learning and development within the child’s natural environment. This approach encourages skill-building through everyday interactions and activities, creating a seamless blend between therapy and daily life. For example, a therapist might use playtime, story-reading, or snack time to support communication, social skills, or motor development.

This child-led approach emphasizes following the child’s interests and cues. For instance, if your child shows interest in building blocks, the therapist may use that activity as a natural opportunity to practice language skills, encouraging them to say “block” or “let’s get more blocks.” This method helps children learn organically, in contexts that feel familiar and enjoyable.

The biggest advantage of naturalistic therapy is how it builds skills in real-life settings. Children are more likely to generalize what they’ve learned because they practice in everyday scenarios. Additionally, its focus on intrinsic motivation can keep children engaged and reduce stress during the learning process.

What is Behavioral Therapy?

Behavioral therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is highly structured and based on principles of behavior modification. It focuses on teaching specific skills using reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and reduce unwanted ones. If your child is learning to make eye contact, for instance, the therapist may use positive reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, each time they successfully achieve this goal.

Behavioral therapy often uses detailed data collection to track progress and adjust approaches based on how the child responds. The sessions are typically goal-oriented, concentrating on measurable outcomes like improving communication, reducing sensory sensitivities, or mastering social interactions.

Behavioral therapy is sometimes critiqued for being too rigid or relying heavily on external rewards rather than fostering intrinsic motivation. Families may also find it less suited to situations requiring adaptability to a child’s natural rhythms and environment.

Understanding the Drawbacks of Behavioral Therapy and Exploring Naturalistic Alternatives

As parents, you want the very best for your child, especially when it comes to therapy options designed to support their development and growth. While behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are widely recognized and often recommended, it’s important to consider some of the criticisms associated with this approach. Many families are now exploring naturalistic therapy, a more flexible, child-centered method, as an alternative. Here’s an honest look at the potential downsides of behavioral therapy and the unique advantages of naturalistic methods.

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The Critiques of Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy, particularly ABA, is often praised for its highly structured and measurable format. While structure can be helpful for some children, its rigid nature may feel overwhelming for others. Sessions often adhere to a strict plan, leaving little room for spontaneity or deviation. For children who prefer learning in a more fluid or interest-driven manner, this rigidity may hinder engagement and create unnecessary stress.

Another concern surrounding behavioral therapy is its reliance on external rewards. Skills and behaviors are often taught using reinforcement systems, where a child receives praise, a sticker, or a small treat for meeting a set goal. While this can encourage behavior changes in the short term, it raises questions about long-term effectiveness. Critics argue that over-reliance on rewards may undermine intrinsic motivation—the child’s ability to engage in tasks out of personal interest or enjoyment rather than for a prize.

Some parents and advocates have also questioned the ethical implications of behavioral therapy. They argue that certain goals, like teaching eye contact or suppressing stimming behaviors, may prioritize conformity over self-expression and individuality. These practices risk sending the message that children need to change essential parts of who they are to fit societal norms, rather than celebrating their unique ways of seeing and engaging with the world.

Why Consider Naturalistic Therapy?

In contrast to the structured nature of behavioral therapy, naturalistic therapy offers a more child-led, flexible approach. It focuses on learning within the context of everyday routines and activities, meeting children where they are rather than adhering to preset rules or expectations.

For example, instead of a reward for saying “ball” during a formal session, a child in naturalistic therapy might practice the same skill while having fun playing catch with a parent or therapist.

One of the key strengths of naturalistic therapy is its emphasis on intrinsic motivation. By incorporating a child’s personal interests—whether that’s dinosaurs, music, or baking—it encourages engagement because the activities themselves are exciting and meaningful. This approach can also help children generalize their skills, making it easier to apply what they’ve learned in real-life settings.

Additionally, naturalistic therapy views the child as an active participant in their own growth. It values their autonomy, preferences, and individuality, fostering a sense of confidence and pride in their abilities. This can be especially empowering for neurodiverse children, as it focuses on celebrating strengths rather than “fixing” perceived deficits.

Naturalistic vs. Behavioral Therapy: Why Going Natural Unlocks Your Child’s True Expression

Making the Best Choice for Your Child

Every child is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to therapy. While behavioral therapy may work well for some children, it may not align with your child’s needs, personality, or learning style. Naturalistic therapy, on the other hand, offers a more adaptable, respectful, and relationship-based alternative that might better support their development in a way that feels authentic and enjoyable. Observing how your child responds to different approaches in daily interactions can guide you in choosing a therapy style.

The best decision is one informed by your knowledge of your child, open communication with therapists, and careful consideration of the approaches available. Trust your instincts and remember that therapy should help your child thrive while honoring who they are as an individual. You are your child’s greatest champion, and your insights are invaluable in finding the support that works best for them.

At Valued Voices, by embracing a naturalistic approach, we empower your child to express themselves authentically, without forcing them into predetermined molds. Our experienced therapists work alongside your child, using play to create a safe and engaging environment that encourages self-expression and confidence-building. This approach not only promotes more sustainable progress but also helps your child develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

We are committed to providing a supportive, parent-centered environment at Valued Voices and one that honors your child’s individuality. By choosing a naturalistic approach, you’re giving your child the gift of authentic expression, paving the way for a lifetime of confident communication and connection.

Join us in our mission to create a world where every child has a voice.

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

What are the stages of gestalt language development?

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Stages of Gestalt Language Development

January 1 2025

Celebrating Milestones & Building Support with Your Child’s Speech & Language Journey

Sholeh Shahinfar All, Gestalt Language Processing, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development ability, achievements, celebrate, celebration, community, connect, document progress, educate, express, guidance, language, milestones, parent, playdates, professional guidance, skills, speech, speech and language development, speech-delayed, success stories, support groups, Tracking, workshops

Celebrating Milestones: Tracking Your Child’s Speech & Language Development Journey

Watching your child’s speech and language skills blossom is a journey filled with triumphs, challenges, and moments worth celebrating. In this blog, we invite you to explore the importance of tracking your child’s development, recognizing progress, and embracing each step forward in their communication journey.

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The Truth About Milestones

As many may already know, I am not a huge supporter of milestones; I believe they can bring unnecessary stress and often carry a sense of pressure. Speech and language milestones serve as guideposts and your child’s unique strengths should always be considered. From babbling their first sounds to using sentences, each milestone achieved represents a significant leap in your child’s ability to express themselves and connect with the world around them. Remember, expression is not just through our speaking words-there are many ways to communicate, and it is always about finding what way best supports your child.

Tips for Tracking Your Child’s Development & Progress:

1. Educate Yourself:

Familiarize yourself with speech and language development for your child’s age range. Understanding what to expect can help you recognize progress and identify areas that may need extra support.

2. Celebrate Achievements:

Celebrate every moment, no matter how small. Whether it’s saying a new word, using gestures effectively, making a sound, or using a device, acknowledge and applaud all your child’s accomplishments.

3. Document Progress:

Keep a journal or record of your child’s progress, including dates, observations, and any notable achievements. Documenting their progress not only allows you to track growth but also creates a tangible reminder of how far they’ve come.

4. Share Success Stories:

Share your child’s successes with family, friends, and other professionals. Celebrating these moments together not only spreads joy but also reinforces the importance of supporting and acknowledging your child’s communication journey.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:

If you have concerns about your child’s speech development or notice delays, don’t hesitate to consult with a speech-language pathologist. Early intervention and targeted support can address any challenges and set your child on the path to success.

Celebrating your child’s development is a testament to their growth and resilience. By tracking their progress, acknowledging achievements, and fostering a supportive environment, you play a vital role in nurturing their communication skills and building a strong foundation for their future.

Do you feel like your child is speech, language and/or motor skills are regressing?

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Building a Support Network: Connecting with Other Parents of Speech-Delayed Children

Just as important as nurturing your little one is nurturing yourself too. Building a support network and connecting with other parents/families is such an important part of this journey. Navigating the challenges of raising a child with speech delays can often feel like a solitary journey. However, you are far from being alone and surrounded by so much love and support. Connecting with other parents who share similar experiences can provide invaluable support, empathy, and a sense of community. For the rest of this blog, the focus is on you; together, we explore the importance of building a support network and connecting with other parents.

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The Power of Community

Building a support network with other parents facing similar challenges can offer a sense of understanding, solidarity, and shared experiences. Connecting with fellow parents provides a safe space to exchange advice, seek guidance, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone on this journey.

Tips for Connecting with Other Parents:

1. Join Parent Support Groups:

Look for local or online support groups. These forums offer opportunities to connect, share stories, ask questions, and receive support from individuals who truly understand your experiences.

2. Attend Workshops & Events:

Participate in workshops, seminars, or events. These gatherings not only provide valuable information but also create networking opportunities to meet other parents and professionals in the field.

3. Engage with Social Media Communities:

Explore social media platforms and online forums. Joining these communities can facilitate connections, foster discussions, and offer a platform to seek advice and share insights with a wider audience.

4. Organize Playdates & Meetups:

Arrange playdates or meetups with other parents and children going through a similar journey. These gatherings allow families to connect in person, share experiences, and provide social interactions that are beneficial for both parents and children.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:

Consult with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and/or other professionals who specialize in supporting families of children with developmental delays. These professionals can offer resources, recommendations, and guidance on building a strong support network and accessing additional services.

Building a support network with other parents can be a source of strength, encouragement, and empowerment. By connecting with a community that understands your journey, you can find reassurance, guidance, and companionship as you navigate this journey. Together, you can share in the victories, support each other through the challenges, and create a network of unwavering solidarity.

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

KAELYN GREEN

Kaelyn Green is a licensed occupational therapist at Valued Voices. She is certified by the University of Southern California in Sensory Integration and is an advocate for addressing underlying sensory functioning in order to improve occupational performance. She is passionate about meeting children and families where they are at and seeks to tailor interventions to the unique needs of her clients. When she is not working, you will find Kaelyn taking care of her two goldendoodles, working in her garden, or taking trips to the Central Coast.

August 15 2024

Toys for Building Language: Batteries Not Required

Sholeh Shahinfar Activities & DIY Ideas, All, Gestalt Language Processing, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development books, bricks, confidence, grammer, interactive play, keep it simple, labeling, language, language development, lego, legos, piggy bank, reading, speech and language development, Storytelling, toys, vocabulary, words

Toys are not just objects of play; they are powerful tools that hold the key to unlocking a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to speech and language development in children.

You may have recently been at a toy store or Target and when you went into the toy aisle, you were bombarded with lights, sounds, colors, buttons, music and oh so many screens! When you purchase these types of toys, the toys are doing all the work! This means, your child is not really using or building on any of their skills. Children learn by doing, and with these toys, often instead of them doing (and learning), the toy is doing!

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There are two things I almost always tell parents: keep it simple and less is more. The simpler the toy, the more skills you can work on. However, it is always important to go with your child’s interests, so if your child likes the loud toys, don’t shy away from getting them, but always try to mix in some more simple toys into your child’s toy collection to support the development of early language and play skills. Also, you don’t need a closet full of toys to have fun, you can use one toy to target so many things, all while connecting with your kiddo, keeping their attention and having tons of fun!

In this blog, we delve into the incredible journey toys and using a single toy to encourage and enhance speech and language skills in young ones.

The Magic of Interactive Play

At the heart of speech and language development lies the foundation of interactive play. A simple yet versatile toy, such as building blocks, cars, ball drops. shape sorters and even books, can work wonders in engaging children in meaningful interactions. Through play, children learn to communicate, express themselves, and comprehend language in a natural, enjoyable way.

Choosing the Right Toy

When selecting a toy to aid speech and language development, consider its versatility and adaptability. A toy like a set of animal figurines or a dollhouse not only sparks imagination but also offers endless opportunities for vocabulary expansion, storytelling, and social interaction – all essential components of language growth.

LEGOS & BLOCKS

An oldie but goodie! Because they can be used in so many different ways, Legos are one of the best toys for development. Children can play independently or interact with others. Great for vocabulary, language skills, articulation, and building fine motor and spatial awareness skills.

MR. POTATO HEAD

This toy provides so many benefits, including encouraging language development (naming body parts and labeling colors) fine and gross motor skills (grasping), visual scanning (looking for a part), naming body parts, spatial awareness, matching objects, and labeling colors, just to name a few! At Valued Voices, we have a variety of sizes of Potato Heads, which provides great opportunities during peer play too!

BOOKS

Reading at an early age is so important for your little one. Children can build their literacy skills, which will directly correlate to language development and later success. Wordless picture books, simple books with short phrases and sentences, and books with repetitions are my favorite. You can find out more about the importance of reading with your kiddos here.

CAUSE-EFFECT TOYS

Cause and effect toys offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable developmental benefits for children. By engaging with these toys, kids learn about the relationship between actions and outcomes, enhancing their cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, cause and effect toys promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and foster creativity. Investing in these toys not only sparks curiosity but also lays a strong foundation for learning and development in early childhood. Check out my favorite car ramp, piggy bank, and more. I also have some of my favorite toys listed by age here.

Playful Language Learning Activities

Here are some fun and creative ways to harness the power of a single toy for speech and language enrichment:

1. Labeling and Describing:

Prompt children to label and describe different parts of the toy or describe its features, building vocabulary and language comprehension.

2. Pretend Play & Storytelling Sessions:

Encourage children to narrate stories using the toy characters or props, fostering creativity and narrative skills.

3. Role-Playing Scenarios:

Engage in role-playing activities with the toy to stimulate conversation, practice social skills, and enhance communication abilities.

The Impact Beyond Words

Speech and language development go beyond words – they form the cornerstone of cognitive, social, and emotional growth. By incorporating a thoughtfully chosen toy into a child’s play routine, you’re not just fostering language skills; you’re nurturing their overall development and setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

The power of a single toy in encouraging speech and language development is immeasurable. We don’t need always need more; we just need the right way to unlock your child’s strengths! Through toys, children can embark on a journey of self-expression, communication, and connection. So, grab that toy, ignite the magic of play, and watch as language blossoms in the hands of little ones.

Remember, in the world of toys, every play moment is a language moment waiting to happen. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost confidence and motivation in your child’s journey of self-expression!

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

KAELYN GREEN

What are the stages of gestalt language development?

If you are curious to learn more about the six stages of gestalt language development, please click the button below.

Stages of Gestalt Language Development

Mother helping chils with speech development

April 30 2024

Three Ways to Help Your Child with Speech & Language Development

Taylor Lasky All, Speech & Language Development affirming words, attention, child, choices, comment, communication skills, eye contact, help, language, language models, learn, questions, reinforce attemps, sabotage, speech, speech and language development, strategies

#1 Create Opportunities to Learn and Use Communication Skills.

Tip: Try to limit how often you prevent moments of frustration.

As difficult as it is for us to watch a child navigate a moment of frustration, we must try to remember that communication is often learned out of necessity. If the adults in your child’s life are always anticipating their wants and needs, your child will miss many opportunities to learn how to communicate about the obstacles in their life. For example, if a caregiver always opens a favorite snack before handing it to their child, the child misses the opportunity to learn to ask for “help” when they realize that they are unable to open it themselves. Of course, there are times where adults must predict a child’s needs for safety reasons, but adults can practice mindful observation and intentionally wait for communication temptations to arise during play or during daily routines.

Tip: Use “sabotage” as a strategy to elicit speech and language.

As discussed above, children learn to communicate when a circumstance warrants the need for communication. Adults can also design situations for children to use expressive language by “sabotaging” the environment. By sabotaging, we can create a scenario where a child feels motivated to use expressive language to get their needs met. We can do this by placing items out of reach, placing toys in tightly sealed containers, or designing a silly/unusual situation that a child will want to comment on. The key to successfully implementing this strategy is to sabotage the environment when your child cannot see it happening. This way, you can avoid being the “bad guy”. You will want to create an opportunity for yourself to be the “good guy” who helps get the toy down, opens the box, or laughs and fixes the upside-down chair- after your child has drawn attention to it with their communication skills, of course!

Tip: Use a pause during a familiar song or interaction to indicate that it’s time for your child to fill in the blank.

To use this strategy, you will want to first demonstrate and practice a fun routine-based interaction that you and your child can perform together. Depending on your child’s age and interests, this can be a song-based routine such as “row row row your boat”, a toy-based routine such as counting down “three two one.. blastoff” before launching a toy rocket, or an interactive routine such as “peek a boo”. First, you should introduce the routine by modeling the language used for the routine and supporting your child’s involvement. For example, show your child how to play peek-a-boo by covering your eyes and saying “peek….. a….. BOO!” Uncover your eyes while saying “boo”. Once you feel that your child understands the routine and is excited to participate in it, you can start to implement an “expectant pause”. The pause in the routine shows that you expect your child to use their communication skills to fill in the blank. In the peek-a-boo example, the last step is to stop right before saying “boo” with your hands still covering your face. This pause should entice your child to attempt to say “boo!”, which will trigger you to move your hands as the last step of the routine.

Tip: Provide access to soundless toys or remove batteries from electronic toys.

One of the ways children can have fun while exploring new speech sounds is by observing and practicing “environmental sounds”. Environmental sounds are non-words that represent a sound that occurs in the world around the child. Use of environmental sounds is a typical part of a child’s speech development. You can help your child learn to produce environmental sounds by removing batteries from electronic toys or providing access to soundless toys, so your child will feel tempted to fill in the silence with their own speech. Children who are interested in animals might have fun producing farm animal sounds like “moo”, “baa”, or “quack quack” while playing with a barn toy. Some environmental sounds that a child might use while playing with vehicles include, “vroom”, “beep beep”. “boom”, “woosh”, and “choo choo”.

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#2 Model, Model, Model!

Tip: Select meaningful speech and language models.

It can feel overwhelming to decide which words to model for your young child. Your child’s speech-language pathologist can help choose functional and attainable language for your child’s unique needs. If your child is under two years old it’s typically a good idea to emphasize language models that have p, b, and m speech sounds in them. This is because your child can see your lips moving as you produce these specific consonants. For children of all ages, we can decide which words to model by prioritizing functional communication (e.g. stop, help, want, more, etc.), talking about adults or other children that are important in a child’s life, and paying attention to the toys or objects that are exciting to the child. Try to use these words frequently in your own speech while you are around your child, so your child is exposed to these important words often. Some research shows that a child with a speech or language disorder might need 2-3 times as many exposures as their same-aged peers to learn a new word, so repetition will be beneficial.

Tip: Narrate your own actions and your child’s actions out loud.

When you narrate your own actions out loud you are using a strategy called self-talk. Self-talk sounds like this: “I am going to bounce the ball! It’s so fun. I like the yellow ball.” When you narrate your child’s actions out loud you are engaging in a strategy known as parallel talk. Parallel talk sounds like this: “You have an apple! It’s red. You’re eating the apple.” These strategies will boost your child’s exposure to new words and demonstrate the ways we piece words together to talk about the things we are experiencing. It’s okay if your language modeling feels repetitive! That repetition will likely help your child’s development. When we engage in self-talk and parallel talk we do not expect a child to respond to what we are saying, we just want to expose them to the relevant language.

Tip: Acknowledge what your child says and then expand on it.

This therapeutic strategy, known as expansion, builds upon the language skills your child might already be using independently. To use expansion, you want to acknowledge what your child has already said, and then demonstrate how to build upon it without asking them to copy you. For example, if you are stacking blocks with your child and your child says, “block up”, you can respond with, “block goes up!”. If you are playing with cars and your child says “red car”, you can say, “go red car!”

Tip: Avoid asking too many questions.

As adults, we often “quiz” children without realizing it! If you are walking with your child and you see a dog you might find yourself asking, “Do you see the dog? What color is it? What does the doggy say? Do you like the doggy?” This can be an overwhelming number of questions for a child to process. Try to utilize declarative language and stick to approximately a 3:1 ratio of statements to questions. For example, instead of asking the questions above when you see the dog together, you could instead say, “Wow it’s a dog! It’s brown and white. Doggies say woof woof! Do you like the doggy?” This reduces the amount of cognitive and performance-based demands placed on your child while still providing beneficial language models.

Tip: Present choices visually while labeling both items.

It’s no secret that most children love to feel like they are in control and they love to make choices. You can model language while offering choices by presenting two items and labeling both before pausing for your child to make their decision. To do this, you want to emphasize that each item has a specific label. For example, if your child is asking for a snack, you can hold a string cheese in one hand and a pear in the other. While presenting the choices to your child say, “Do you want cheese…” (extend the hand with cheese while saying the word “cheese”) “… OR pear” (extend the hand with the pear while saying the word “pear”). This will indicate to your child that each item has a specific word that can be used to make their choice. If your child is not yet imitating or using words and they reach or point to the item they want, you can say something like, “Oh! Cheese! I want cheese!” and give them the cheese.

Tip: Draw attention to your mouth.

To provide a visual model and encourage your child to copy your mouth movements, you can draw attention to your mouth as you model language targets. To do this, you will want to bring items, your hands, or other interesting objects close to your face so your child’s visual attention can easily shift between the item and your mouth as you speak. You do not need to do this for every word or sentence you speak, but you can focus on using this strategy when you are modeling new words or words that are difficult to pronounce. This strategy is particularly effective for words that have /p/, /m/ or /b/ sounds, as these consonants involve highly visible lip movements.

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#3 Reinforce Attempts at Communication.

Tip: Be patient as your child practices their speech and language skills!

While a child is learning new speech and language skills, they will likely require extra time to process new information, complete a thought, or generate words for what they want to communicate. Providing your child with ample time to process their ideas and select the right way to communicate them is very important for your child’s development. Children who repeat sounds or words (stutter) will also benefit from uninterrupted talking time. Try to avoid finishing your child’s sentences for them.

Tip: Provide eye contact & positive nonverbal language.

While children are going through periods of speech and language development, it is incredibly important for the people around them to validate and reinforce their attempts at communication. This will encourage the child to continue utilizing their new speech and language skills. You can validate your child’s speech and language use through your facial expressions and your actions. For example, if you are playing with your child one on one, and you hear them imitate a word you have said, you can nod and smile to show them that you have heard and appreciated their imitation attempt- even if it is not “perfect”. Additionally, eye contact, hugs, and smiles can show that you are waiting eagerly for your child to answer questions or take action.

Tip: Use affirming words.

Everyone benefits and appreciates spoken recognition of their hard work. When you hear your child trying to use new speech and language skills you can tell them that you hear them, and you value their efforts. Small, but enthusiastic, verbal praise from family members such as “yes!” or “I heard you!” can go a long way. You can also use more complex praise like, “Thank you for using your words to tell me what you want!” or “I heard you saying, ‘beep beep’ with your brother!” Try pairing affirming statements with a head nod, hug, thumbs up, or eye contact for maximum reinforcement!

Tip: Avoid placing additional demands on your child after they’ve used a new skill.

If your child makes an attempt to use a new language skill, avoid asking them to do “more”. For example, if your child uses the word “open” with you for the first time, immediately open the door instead of asking them to say, “open door”. This will reinforce the attempt and reduce frustration around use of newly acquired skills. We want to make sure that the communication development process feels enjoyable, exciting, and positive.

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TAYLOR LASKY

Taylor Lasky is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the clinical director of the speech department at Valued Voices. As an early intervention specialist she empowers families to maximize their child’s communication development by harnessing the power of play. Taylor loves to spend her free time exercising, reading a book by the beach, or walking her beloved dog, Sadie.

GENNA HENDERSON

Genna has been with Valued Voices since 2019, she joined the family after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in communication sciences and disorders from Pacific University in Oregon. Genna has always been passionate about helping give opportunities to others and believes all children have a joyous light inside them that deserves to be shown to the world. She knows that giving people the chance to express themselves allows them to reach new heights internally and in their communities.

January 22 2024

Nurturing Your Child’s Growth: A Guide to Early Childhood Development

Sholeh Shahinfar All, Gestalt Language Processing, Motor Skills & Sensory Support, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development ability, child, control, development, expression, feeding, fine motor, gross motor skills, habits, kids, move, nurturing, sensory processing, speaking, speech and language development

As parents, educators, or therapists, we all share one common goal – we want the children in our care to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. The first few years of a child’s life are marked with several critical stages of development that lay the foundation for the rest of their life. As children go through their developmental journey, they acquire skills that are essential for success in later stages of life. From speech and language to motor skills and sensory processing, early childhood development is a time when we can nurture growth and provide children with the support they need to become confident and empowered little leaders. In this blog, I will break down for you some important areas of your kiddo’s development:

Speech and Language
Fine Motor Skills
Gross Motor Skills
Sensory Processing
Feeding Skills

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Speech and Language:

Language is the primary means of communication, and speech and language skills are crucial for social and cognitive development. To help children develop speech and language, parents and caregivers can engage in activities like reading aloud, singing songs, and my all time favorite, PLAY. Play is a simple way to encourage language development all while connecting with your kiddo. Early language skills pave the way for success in reading, writing, comprehension, and social-emotional skills later in life.

Fine Motor Skills:

Fine motor refers to the ability to make precise movements with hands and fingers. In early childhood, fine motor skills are needed for activities like self-feeding, tying shoelaces, getting dressed, and drawing. To develop fine motor skills, children can practice using scissors, play dough, building blocks, or stringing beads. Parents can also provide opportunities for finger painting, drawing, coloring, and other art activities. These activities can help children develop the hand-eye coordination and dexterity they need for everyday tasks.

Gross Motor Skills:

Gross motor refers to the ability to move and control large muscle groups in the body, such as running, jumping, climbing, and throwing. To encourage gross motor development, parents can provide plenty of space for children to play and run around. Outdoor activities like playing catch, hopping, or skipping, can also help to develop gross motor skills. Additionally, swimming, dance, or yoga are great activities that strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.

Sensory Processing:

Sensory processing is the way the nervous system receives and interprets sensory information from the environment. Children who have difficulty processing sensory information may struggle with things like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. Parents and caregivers can create a sensory-rich environment that includes a variety of textures, sounds, and colors. For example, sand, water, or mud play can help children develop their sense of touch, while playing with musical instruments can stimulate their sense of hearing. By providing a sensory-rich environment, children can learn to regulate their responses to different sensory stimuli.

Feeding Skills:

Feeding skills are crucial for a child’s growth and development. Infants need to develop the ability to suck, swallow, and breathe in coordination when feeding. As children grow older, they learn to self-feed, use utensils, and drink from a cup. To encourage healthy feeding habits, parents can expose children to different textures, flavors, and food types. Modeling healthy eating habits and providing a variety of healthy foods can also help children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Early childhood development is a time when parents and caregivers can provide the support and guidance children need to reach their full potential. By nurturing growth in areas like speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and feeding skills, we can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in later stages of life. Encouraging parent-child interaction, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery, and creating a safe and nurturing environment are vital for healthy development. By working together, we can help our children thrive and fulfill their potential.

To find out more ways we can support you and your little one on this journey, reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.

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SHOLEH SHAHINFAR

M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT

GENNA HENDERSON

December 9 2022

Holiday Gift Guide

Sholeh Shahinfar Activities & DIY Ideas, All, Gestalt Language Processing, Motor Skills & Sensory Support, Parent Tips & Coaching, Speech & Language Development 2022, best, children toys, doll house, favorite toys, gifts, go to toys, holiday, ideas, interactive play, kids, language skills, sensory input, social skills, spatial awareness, speech and language development, speech goals, speech therapy, toddlers, words 0

With the holidays upon us, there are so many wonderful ways we can celebrate and show each other love. If one of your ways to show love is by giving gifts then this guide is for you!

I am breaking the gift guide into age groups and providing you with some of my favorite toys that target:

speech and language development
play skills
fine motor skills
social skills
problem solving skills
hand eye coordination
gross motor skills
cognitive development
sensory input
social interaction
AND SO MUCH MORE!

Click on the links to take you to the exact item in the guide! BONUS: almost all gifts are under $30!

Best Toys for Age 6-9 Months

Mini Sensory Books:

Mini sensory books are a great way to begin introducing your little ones to the wonderful world of literacy! These books not only provide great visual stimulation, but great tactile stimulation too! Your child will learn through touch and exploring their senses! Make sure to model vocabulary like nouns, animals, and body parts. BONUS TIP: when you are reading with your child, use animated facial expressions to make it fun! Learn more about reading with your kiddo here.

Wooden Ball Drop:

Great cause and effect toy and fun for so many kiddos! Model how to use it for your little one and model new vocabulary like colors, actions, and prepositions. This is also a great way to target joint attention, eye contact, and fine motor skills.

Stacking Blocks:

At this age, kids love to pick things up and bang things together. As they get a bit older, they will love to begin stacking and making tall towers! This simple toy is a fun way to target fine motor skills, as well as identifying new vocabulary.

Stacking Rings:

Similar to our stacking blocks, stacking rings are another one of those simple toys that children love! Model descriptive words like colors and different word types like action words and prepositions. This is another great way to boost your child’s vocabulary while engaging in play with a classic toy!

Spinning Rainbow Mirror:

This toy is a great motivator to promote speech sound development, language learning, and joint attention It is also great practice for spinning and reaching. Because of all the fun colors, playing with this toy provides great visual input without being overly simulating.

Best Toys for Age 9-12 Months

Pop Up Toy:

This is one of my favorite go to toys for cause and effect that your child will love! It is one of the best toys to keep your child engaged, promote language development and work on motor skills. Your little one is also learning prepositions (like “up,” “down,” “in,” and “out”) and learning vocabulary like animals, animal sounds and colors!

Simple Knob Puzzles:

Knob puzzles and puzzles of any kind are such a wonderful way for children to practice hand eye coordination, visual motor skills, and problem solving skills. Puzzles are also a great way to work on speech and language skills, like identifying colors, shapes, animals and following directions, and even targeting some of your child’s first intentional sounds!

Sensory Tissue Box:

This sensory tissue box is filled with multicolored handkerchiefs that you can push in and pull out of the box, a great way to begin following directions and working on location words. This interactive play toy also makes for a great speech and language learning activity! Your little one can learn cause and effect, work on fine motor skills and explore their senses with textures and visual stimuli!

Wooden Peg Drop:

Another wonderful cause and effect toy for your little one! This is also a great way to target joint attention, eye contact, and fine motor skills. Model how to use it for your little one and model new vocabulary like colors, actions, and prepositions and early developing speech sounds!

Mini Books:

Books are a great way to bring literacy into learning and play! Model vocabulary like nouns, animals, and body parts. BONUS TIP: when you are reading with your child, get at eye level and use animated facial expressions to make it fun! Learn more about reading with your kiddo here.

Best Toys for Age 12-24 Months

Squigz:

One of my new speech and language favorites (thank you to our fabulous OT team for this new toy introduction)! Coming in so many different colors, Squigz is great for targeting language goals, like expanding vocabulary, combining words together, identifying and labeling colors, using prepositions (on, off) and learning action words like “pull” or “push.” For our older kiddos, you can work on following directions and turn taking too! Squigz are a great travel toy and your little one can push/pull them on to many different surfaces!

Wooden Car Ramp:

Toy cars are another great activity I love to use to help develop language skills and to target speech sounds. This Wooden Car Ramp can be used to expand vocabulary and teach new word types, like colors (blue car), adjectives (fast/slow), actions (go, push stop), and to teach spatial awareness (up/down). This is definitely one of our kiddo’s favorite toys to play with in our speech therapy sessions!

Pull Apart Eggs:

Kids love these pull apart eggs and there are so many skills you can practice! Your kid is not just going to play with this toy, but they are going to learn too! Children can match colors and shapes, develop visual motor skills and work on their problem solving skills. This is also another great toy to target language development and speech sounds!

Crawl Through Tunnel:

Kids love to play with this tunnel! My favorite thing to do is to throw toys/objects in the tunnel and have our little ones crawl through after them. This is not only a great motor activity, but amazing for targeting language skills like prepositions “in” and “out” and working on word combinations!

Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set:

Little kids really have fun with this play set! Your kiddo can will build color recognition and critical thinking skills as they sort and match fruits and veggies and learn new vocabulary for food items. Not only is this set a great independent play activity, but it is a great way to encourage pretend play skills as your little one explores their imagination!

Wooden Cookie Baking Set:

Bake and create delicious cookies with your little one with this amazing (and durable) wooden cookie set! Model new vocabulary for baking and food items, work on fine motor skills like cutting and slicing, expand language by combining words together and work on turn taking skills too! This pretend play set is one of my favorite speech therapy activities and children love playing with it!

Best Toys for Age 24-36 Months

Kinetic Sand:

All the fun of sand without the mess (well…kinda)! I love to hide mini objects in the sand and have my kiddos dig to find them. Not only is this a great motor skill activity, but it is a great way to introduce new words, target speech sounds, and increase your little one’s language development. Help your little one combine words together to describe what they dig up in the sand, answer questions (like “what do you see”) and follow directions! Kinetic Sand is a therapist favorite at Valued Voices when targeting speech and language goals!

Reusable Sticker Pads:

Reusable sticker pads are great for in the home or when you and your little one are on the go! These sticker pads empower your kid’s creativity and are a great way to encourage speech and language development. Your little one can point to items you name, label items, describe what they see/what they are doing, and follow directions. Your child will love learning through play as they discover new places, like airports, farms, grocery stores, and so much more!

Legos:

Empower your little one’s imagination through a classic toy that kids adore! Legos help develop fine motor and critical thinking skills as your child stacks, pulls apart and creates from their imagination! Legos are also a great way to work on color identification, following directions, turn taking, and language development through combining 2-3 words together. Children love playing with this toy for hours on end!

Activity Board:

This Activity Board helps children develop basic life skills all while playing! Empower your child’s cognitive skills as they develop hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills and discover life skills like getting dressed. This busy board contains so many fun activities for your toddler and is great to take with you on the go!

Play Sets:

Theme-based sets encourage open ended play and what better way for kids to learn than through playing! Play sets are a great way for kids to practice their language skills through exploring their imagination, including their social language skills! Below are some of my favorite play sets:

doctor
tools
baby doll
shopping
doll house

As you begin your holiday shopping, I hope you find this guide useful in finding the perfect gift for your children and those of a friend or family member.

Don’t forget, less is more! Often the most simple toys are the best way to develop your little one’s skills and empower their expression! Happy shopping and wising everyone a beautiful, warm and love filled holiday season!

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Sholeh Shahinfar, MA, CCC-SLP, RYT

Sholeh Shahinfar is the founder of Valued Voices, and a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children’s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, she loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, and spending time with her family and friends!